It was a wild ride, today from yesterday.
I made mistakes along the way,
I smoked, I stole, I lied, I drank.
So when I went to heavens gate,
I expected only solemn look,
And for St. Pete to close the book.
Was to my surprise to find,
A cheerful grin and words so kind!
I apologized for being late, explained my shame,
For my mistakes.
“We know you’ve sinned son, and that’s just fine!”
“Because we know you always tried,
Trust me, you arrived in time!
We’ve set the tables, poured the wine!
So come on in son, have a seat.
There’s rest here for your weary feet.”

All I wanted was a lullaby,
a simple song to ease my mind.
And guide me into gentle sleep,
I’d long forsaken counting sheep.
A whisper through my clouded thoughts,
To recall a peace I had forgot.

I let smoke roll from my cigarette,
and watch like death entered the room.
Seeing it fill with his hazy presence,
undisturbed.
Few will know the peace that comes,
with choosing your fate.
I will NOT cower,
at the ghastly shade.
I will smile at it.

I found a man, amidst the chaos.
No lighted eyes, his dreams were lost.
I asked him was it was that ailed him,
Though I knew, ‘twas hope that failed him.
“I’ve looked upon the face of death,
And feel his hands, upon my chest,
reaching for my aching heart
I lost my faith, right at the start.”
I smiled weakly, I felt the same,
Except some hope I had maintained.
“We’ve been gone from home friend, for far too long
But I promise you, we’ll see the dawn.
The sun will rise, and it will set,
And with it we will get our rest.
You’ve marched and fought and carried on,
You’ve charged into the raging throngs,
Watched your comrades fall and die,
Seen life snuffed, as have I.
I cannot ask, you maintain faith,
Not here, not now, in death’s embrace,
For we’ve been gone from home, for far too long,
But I promise you, We’ll see the dawn.

Death beside me, softly waiting.
He gave me time for contemplating,
Past mistakes and wrongs I’ve made.
I truly thank that somber shade.
On borrowed time I cleared my mind,
Prepared myself for one last dive.
He whispered patiently in my ear,
“It’s time to go but have no fear”
“I’ve been told to lead you, toward a light”
And so I rose without a fight,
And took death’s hand and let him lead,
He’d given me the time I’d need,
To rest my mind and heavy heart,
Before I followed into the dark.