Goodbye

This poem demands some explanation. I wrote it right after turning 30, and it does not embody what I think. It embodies a temporary feeling of dread that I had as I considered that time keeps marching, and death for me and everyone around me stands the at the end of that march.

Though this feeling was deep and real, I remain a Christian and continue to live within the Christian hope.

***

Why the striving?

Why the fight?

Why companions,

Family, wife?

They smile at me;

My heart grows bright—

Strolling all

Into the night.

Bodies fade;

The time grows ripe

For Hades’ scythe

To harvest life.

The earth cracks;

The stars go dim;

The smiles fade,

Won’t smile again.

Sun’s candles snuffed,

Nevermore gold.

Hearts shudder still,

Now stiff and cold.

I said goodbye;

They say no more.

Dragged from my sight;

Death locked the door.

I’ll search for them

And will not find,

Will cry their names

To no reply.

Today’s sunset

A step toward

That lonely dark

Goodbye.