The Mystery of Death

No one really can explain
The mystery of death.
When someone’s time is up there’s just
That quiet final breath.

An X-ray, scan or bloodwork
Or the beeps from a machine
Give some stats to the physicians
But what does it really mean?

We’ll all arrive there someday
And, despite the circumstance,
We can’t refuse the Reaper
When he asks for one last dance.

So all the doctors’ test results
And autopsies combined
May not be quite enough to bring
That longed-for peace of mind.

But thinking of a life well-lived
Might comfort those who lost
A loved one whom into the
Great Beyond has sadly crossed.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2021

Poem

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Watt Avatar
December 31, 2021 at 9:18 PM
it isn't easy to write about death, especially while grieving. this is very touching ilene, and i hope its writing brought some measure of therapeutic peace to you. beautifully and poignantly done. i'm sorry for your loss. hugs ~ john
Leffanta Avatar
December 29, 2021 at 10:27 AM
If, some how some way, you leave this world a better place for your grandchildren to live - even by one of your poems - your life was of merit!
Hankins Avatar
December 28, 2021 at 1:41 PM
This poem is so well done, Ilene. I think the life we lived is so much more important than how or when we died. Some have longer than others, but we all can leave memories for those who will inevitably follow us. Good writing!
Thompson Avatar
December 28, 2021 at 12:54 PM
Beautifully written! Lost my father a few months back and the lines ‘but thinking of a life well lived, Might comfort those who lost’ rings true!!
Cunningham Avatar
December 28, 2021 at 11:32 AM
Even though we know it's going to happen it still comes as a shock to those left behind. Tom
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