AN ODE TO DEATH

AN ODE TO DEATH


Death, crowning glory of life!
Death, an end to pain and strife.
Death, you harbinger of peace,
Death, all suffering you ease.

Why, of you, be I afraid,
When I have my all debts paid,
When my duty I have done,
When no task is left undone?

I know that you are my friend
And that one day you will lend
A helping hand so, with you,
Unchartered seas I sail through.

When he calls me I shall go
And my deeds, good or bad show,
Saying "I tried to serve well
But it's not for me to tell

If I'm for hell or heaven.
Judgment is by You given.
I will till then humbly wait
For whatever be my fate".


• Written in aabb, 7-7-7-7 meter


M C Gupta
10 September 2003