Because I Could Not Stop For Death

Author Note: Entry for Jon Heck Contest "EDGE." When I think of "fear," I can think of
nothing more fearful than death and wondering what it is like.


Because I could not stop for death,
my brain,
the grand inquisitor,
ponders the moment.

About six minutes,
the time it takes
for the brain to die.

What happens in that short time?
Does the brain ramble;
try to decompose
if, it indeed died?
 
In death, is there fear;
is recognition instantaneous?
Can you see it in the eyes?

Is six minutes time to make
peace before judgment?
Or, serenity,
a time to relax and reminisce
before memory fades for all time.

Six minutes,
biblical prophecy,
ashes to ashes,
dust to dust,
does partake.
 
Because I could not stop for death, 
in six minutes,
everything learned
erased for all time;
my body lies dead,
I say goodbye.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2010

Poem

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

George   Avatar
July 20, 2010 at 3:08 AM
I think death is the one thing most feared because no one comes back to tell us about it. Great writing Mac. Congratulations on your win in John's contest. Lainie
Crisci Avatar
July 19, 2010 at 10:27 PM
Cogratulations on your win in John Heck's contest, " Edge. " This is a great poem reflecting on the reality of death. I have enjoyed reading it, pondering over death a lot. This is another victory added to your achievements. Have a blessed day. Thanks for your kind comments. Kindest Regards, Andrew.
Brown Avatar
July 19, 2010 at 7:04 AM
Congratulations Mac on your well deserved win in John Heck's contest "Edge". Love, Carol
Sweetheart Avatar
July 16, 2010 at 2:55 PM
Congrats Mac on your winning poem in John's Edge contest with this marvelous write.. enjoy your sweet victory.. with luv..
Grim Avatar
July 5, 2010 at 11:32 AM
this is a great poem. i really enjoyed it, it asks many questions about what happens in the 6 short minutes that it takes the brain to die, and that is a good question. it may not be a question that can be answered by one particular person though. anyway thank u for the comments on my poems. i rlly enjoyed reading this one.
Culverhouse Avatar
June 30, 2010 at 5:15 PM
sad thoughts, made me feel like being in the cold ocean not breathing!
Vick Avatar
June 30, 2010 at 2:49 PM
not bad
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace