Life and Death

A thief,doctor even a man of the cloth,
 life and death, you can have one but never both.
Many seek survival at all cost.
A last breath, the battle and war are lost.
The preacher says dust to dust.
The buried now a mere fragment of the past.
Here death has won.

Labor pains pains, a debate on names.
A boy, a girl?
All is well.
The midwife guides,
The mother fights,
The husband waits.
The baby finally comes,
Gives a shrill cry.
Tiny fingers and thumbs,
A tiny fist.
As if to say"I am tiny but i will fight that beast"
Beast?death defeated by mother and child.
Here life has won.

Tears of joy, tears of pain,
Tears all the same.
The child cries at birth,
The mourners at the funeral.
Life and death seem to be lovers.
The dead, life's gift to death.
The newly born, death's gift to life.
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

A   Avatar
January 23, 2016 at 6:13 PM
EMMANUEL, I'm just stopping by to enjoy your poem. Have a wonderful day. ** LINDA**
A  Avatar
September 8, 2015 at 11:34 AM
Emmanuel, enjoyed reading your poem today.... **SKAT
Brown Avatar
May 18, 2010 at 10:47 AM
It was a pleasure to read your poetry this morning Emmanuel. I hope you have a wonderful day filled with inspiration. Love,Carol
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