These Are My JOTtings, Part #2

What Comes Next?

Sometimes thoughts of what comes next
can overwhelm the mind.
Retirement life can start to vex
with tasks that feel unkind.

The homely life of steps begin
with childhood home of play.
The church confronts the life of sin,
Salvation's grand new day.

The dorm room's there, where teaching's for
the readiest career.
The bulk of life, where we explore
the days we think are clear.

The nursing home, the lot of some,
who need some help to live.
The funeral home is where we come,
relief we family give.

We write about what may come next,
how soon or will it be?
Will giftedness prove just a text
or an ocean of words to see?

If Father gives a mind to write,
then write we will these days,
until the dash is chiseled bright
for Tombstone's last display.

The "What Comes Next?" Earth's novella writ
depresses aging souls,
but when the temporal we quit,
we focus on the Goal.

The next of Grace in Evermore
brings with it hope and peace.
Imagining His "What's in Store?"
in Christ is full release.

by Jay O’Toole
on May 21st, 2025