Crystal Ships

a poetic look at the ending of a mortal life

Crystal Ships


We arrive with all we need;
naked, pure and simple.
Cleansed by our first breath,
perfect peace attends our last.

Looking back on life's road,
paths of roses, fragrant blooms,
Thorns reach out, tear flesh,
petals fall, slip away as loved ones do.

Fruitful gardens bear two children.
Joy and sadness fill corners.
Times when no one answers,
listen for whispered words of faith.

I climb, slip, fall, try again,
grace arrives on angels' wings.
A soft flight, gentle landing,
content as my heart sings.

As I slide into eternal night,
sand castles of youth fade away.
A whirling vortex comes to play,
confetti walls slip into place.

Dreams I could not breath true
remain for another whimsical soul.
I see myself old and gray,
still living yet fading away.

The clock ticks, I am close enough
to see majestic wings.
Rest arrives on crystal ships.
I clutch my golden ticket and ring.


By Kathie Stehr
Feb. 10, 2026