a final alleluia

at last, to death all will succumb
this mortal life, never-ending pain
stamps out sparks of joy when angels
pick destitute hours to numb our souls

earthly trials end in crazed pursuit
of rainbows and homelands untouched
where memories dance like sunlight
its rays fade into eternal quivering

ever so suddenly our freshness withers
hearts chill and tears freeze our grief
cold marble slabs replace cotton sheets
this finality has no resonance of alleluia

peace, come take those left in mourning
no answers come of prayer, but human folly
leaves puzzles cast from bronze flowers
decorating tombstones speaking of farewell


a final alleluia
[2008.30.6…a]
Never-Ending Poem N° 48