If Not For Dying

When I’m enticed by the allure of forever,
Ambivalent, I query, prospect of eternity:
If there’s no dying, what fate’s my destiny?
Would such existence be sans meaning?

Would I be the compassion of pious soul
If I am blessed with permanence of life,
Or a deathly tomb of a heartless stone
Dispassionately ignoring wounds of strife.

Having been spared of inevitable death
Will I become an arrogant tyrant’s shrill,
Or will I rule alike a kingdom of goodwill
Embracing venerated grace of cordiality.

Would I be a garden of spring blossoms
Or scorched landscape of barren desert,
Would I be a resplendent autumnal show
Or decaying rot of woes in wintry throes.

Would I be a night of nightingale’s song
Invoking themes of endearing dreams,
Or would I be echo of horrid nightmares
Howling in dawn of things gone wrong.

Immortality, I fear, will lure me ignobly, 
If not a mortal, unknowable I would be;
But for transience, would humble life be?
If not for dying, would precious living be?

April 23, 2022
Placed 1st: If I were Immortal Poetry Contest
Sponsor: Anoucheka Gangabissoon
Copyright © | Year Posted 2022

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

12
Foster Avatar
July 6, 2022 at 9:02 AM
Lovely words, well written. Ann
Delaney Avatar
June 1, 2022 at 5:13 AM
I,ve often pondered this theme too, Vijay: You express both sides of the question convincingly. Best, SuZ
Alex Avatar
May 3, 2022 at 5:02 AM
Thought-provoking questions and beautiful answers. Congratulations!
Dietrich Avatar
May 1, 2022 at 1:20 PM
Was this one judged already? I see a congrats down here. It sure deserves a win!
Tor Avatar
April 30, 2022 at 3:51 PM
Much thought and wisdom here my friend. Congrates on a great piece...
Gentile Avatar
April 30, 2022 at 5:55 AM
Such powerful thoughts Vijay and expressed so very well in terms of known human behavior . Your crafted lines make it easy to contemplate and so very interesting to read. I really loved it! Happy Saturday !!!
Y. Avatar
April 28, 2022 at 12:25 PM
WoW! Vijay, This is an outstanding entry for the contest theme. I found it to be deep and thought provoking.Best wishes in the contest. Have a nice day my friend:-) Alexis
Pandit Avatar
April 29, 2022 at 5:13 AM
Many thanks my friend for your kind remarks. Much appreciate, Alexis.
Proxenos Avatar
April 27, 2022 at 12:45 PM
Words of wisdom uttered in this poem dear Vijay - 'If not for dying, would precious living be? I enjoy your perspectives of nature, life, love, seasons, people, you have that natural talented poetic ability to explain it so understandably. A very engaging, brilliant write. Hugs and blessings, Jennifer.
Pandit Avatar
April 29, 2022 at 5:13 AM
Thanks for stopping by Jennifer--much appreciate as always.
Kendrick Avatar
April 27, 2022 at 11:24 AM
I think that knowing that we will face death makes us appreciate life more especially so as we get older. Reads like a good contender to me for the contest. Way to go. Thanks for your visit to my page. Sara
Pandit Avatar
April 29, 2022 at 5:12 AM
Much appreciate Sara--many thanks.
Vangaveti Avatar
April 27, 2022 at 10:52 AM
Perfectly crafted!! My instant fave!!
Pandit Avatar
April 27, 2022 at 12:57 PM
Thank you Swetha--much appreciate.
Marcum Wong Avatar
April 26, 2022 at 11:31 PM
The contrasts in life teach the student and the teacher. Excellent work Vijay. This poem is sure to be a top winner. Blessings xxoo
Pandit Avatar
April 27, 2022 at 12:57 PM
I appreciate your vote of confidence, Connie. Many thanks.
Canerdy Avatar
April 26, 2022 at 6:46 PM
Vijay, this is excellent--a vividly descriptive and thought-provoking message of pros and cons. Janice
Pandit Avatar
April 27, 2022 at 12:56 PM
Many thanks Janice--much appreciate.
Dietrich Avatar
April 26, 2022 at 4:22 PM
wow, you did a magnificent job with this one, Vijay. I bet it's a top winner.
Pandit Avatar
April 27, 2022 at 12:55 PM
Much appreciate, Andrea, your supportive remarks. Many thanks.
Trifiatis Avatar
April 26, 2022 at 5:02 AM
Profound philosophical thesis, my dearest friend, Vijay! A FAVE for me! Blessings!
Pandit Avatar
April 26, 2022 at 6:10 AM
So wonderful to hear that from you my friend. Many thanks and a very special thank you for the FAVE.
Legros Kelley Avatar
April 25, 2022 at 5:49 PM
Wow, amazing. Honestly...I think you would be 'a garden of spring blossoms', or perhaps 'a night of nightingale’s song' because your poems reflect such deep beauty <3 ~BJ
Pandit Avatar
April 26, 2022 at 6:08 AM
Much appreciate kind thoughts, BJ. Many thanks.
Baker Avatar
April 25, 2022 at 4:44 PM
Intriguing viewpoints to ponder, my poet friend. I enjoyed the read and will enjoy the time thinking about what you've shared with us. Thanks, Bill
Pandit Avatar
April 26, 2022 at 6:07 AM
Thank you Bill--much appreciate.
Horsman Avatar
April 25, 2022 at 6:31 AM
Amazing poetry, Vijay, I wonder if we were a people of immortality, if science would research a way out, for the love of mankind.
Pandit Avatar
April 25, 2022 at 9:49 AM
Thank you Harry. Much appreciate your kind feedback.
Deo Avatar
April 25, 2022 at 6:05 AM
brilliant; so many aspects of life, death, and dying revealed as only greats can do. I wanted to write on something related ... check it out in 30 mins. But I do NOT take your visits to my struggling poetry efforts for granted. U are appreciated
Pandit Avatar
April 25, 2022 at 9:48 AM
So very kind of you to stop by with your kind remarks, Anil. Much appreciate. Many thanks. I read your thoughtful poem today and offered my feedback there.
Nicole Avatar
April 24, 2022 at 7:07 PM
"Immortality, I fear, will lure me ignobly." This statement brings a shiver up my spine. I'm so thankful that this isn't possible. So many in the world would use it for selfish reasons. Very scary indeed. Your thoughts are deep and powerful. So much to think about, my dear friend. ~ Brandy
Pandit Avatar
April 25, 2022 at 5:09 AM
Yes--the world would use it selfishly--powerful thought you express my dear friend. Always a joy when you visit-- to read and appreciate your feedback. Many thanks, Brandy.
Maverick Avatar
April 24, 2022 at 5:01 PM
Enjoyed reading and reflecting Vijay.'
Pandit Avatar
April 25, 2022 at 5:06 AM
Thank you Joe--much appreciate.
Rose  Avatar
April 24, 2022 at 4:28 PM
I love the way you think up such amazing possibilities and offer them up through poetry, I guess if we were to come back we could be most anything, couldn't we ? I think I'd choose to be a poet, time and time again, how about you ?
Pandit Avatar
April 25, 2022 at 5:06 AM
Anything is possible in the after world. Poetry sounds like a place to be. Much appreciate your visit and comments, Vienna. Many thanks.
Poet Avatar
April 24, 2022 at 11:32 AM
Vijay, my friend. This topic is characterized by significant opinions. To be honest, it's a tough topic to broach. You've expressed fears and reservations about being granted eternal life, and you've done it in a way that only someone with your writing talent could refute. Even though it's a challenging issue, you've made it entertaining to consider. All of the analogies in your poem are fantastic. Best for a win.
Pandit Avatar
April 24, 2022 at 11:48 AM
You are right my friend--this is a topic that makes us ponder the unknown. Much appreciate your detailed remarks, Lassad. So very kind of you to take the time. Many thanks.
Ball Avatar
April 24, 2022 at 11:20 AM
Hmmmm If I were immortal and never to die would I be cruel and arrogant or would I be compassionate and kind? If I didn't fear the hereafter what kind of person would I be? Good question. The Bible tells us that there is no good in Man save Jesus. As always a fine write my friend raising many questions. God Bless, JB
Pandit Avatar
April 24, 2022 at 11:44 AM
It is always good to have a check on human tendencies--if we were immortal who knows how we would behave. Much appreciate your insights --especially from Bible--Judy. Always a pleasure to read your feedback. Many thanks.
George Avatar
April 24, 2022 at 5:08 AM
"Would I be a night of nightingale’s song Invoking themes of endearing dreams, Or would I be echo of horrid nightmares Howling in dawn of things gone wrong'.....! If granted Immortality the questions and doubts you have raised are so sensible.... expressed in a way only a poet of your caliber can raise. A very deep subject, but you have made it a sweet topic to ponder on .....! All the best, dear Vijay !
Pandit Avatar
April 24, 2022 at 5:29 AM
Much appreciate your insights my dear friend. Your comments always explore the depth and meaning. Many thanks for being there for so many on Poetry Soup.
Buhagiar Avatar
April 23, 2022 at 10:24 PM
Great arguments. An impossible subject really. Have you ever heard of the Wandering Jew? Not pleasant I'm sure.
Pandit Avatar
April 24, 2022 at 5:19 AM
Much appreciate Victor. You are right to mention the Wandering Jew in the context of this contest theme. The immortal mythical man cursed to live forever. Unfathomable. Many thanks for your apt contribution to this theme.
12
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