The Finality of Death Unto Life
Thanatopsis Revisited
A poem of heaven and heavenly questions
By Father John R. Green
Copyright © by John R. Green
Shown with his blessing
In a small box within the ground
Ne'er to utter a mortal sound;
A little boy when I was four
I learned of his death upon the Moor.
I saw her in the casket deep,
While kinfolk came to pray and weep;
I was five and she thirteen,
I knew she'd left this earthly scene.
All those funerals in Wesley Church -
At only six, yet in a lurch,
I marched with those who mourned the dead
After eulogies my father read.
I wished not to see their bod'ly form,
though to my elders t'was the norm;
But one thing rang assuredly true -
the finality of death I clearly knew!
Some allege a child knows not death,
That 'tis mystery as windstorm's breath -
Yet within my tender skin and mind,
Affirmation they would not find.
While Mother urged death to avoid,
Her loving, joyful voice deployed
A rapture well beyond the grave
Through Heav'ly life that Jesus gave.
She had in view celestial sky
And mind of mine there to rely -
Too soon to quality sublime
I'd be with her in God's good time.
In the years of my maturing,
Streets of gold well past alluring,
Angelic flights and pearly gates
Succumb to those of soul-relates.
No early sign in divine sphere,
Nor eyes to see, nor ears to hear;
Impossible in hearts and minds
Is peace and joy which God designs.
'Twas Paul who glimpsed the Heav'nly scene,
Describing in as joyous gleam;
As God is love, love Heaven must be.
Respondents to love will Heav'n see -
Strangers to love o'er earth will roam
They would not in Heav'n be well at home.
Bliss celestial - can we compare?
How shall we greet a joy so rare?
An adding to a rapturous flavor,
Providing us with loving labor?
How shall we meet those dear ones past?
Does question need to wait 'til last?
What form does "meet" with loved ones take?
And mem'ry of life a difference make?
From you, Fathomless God and Guide,
We seek rest from speculation,
To truly serve your Kingdom here,
Trusting in Christ's affirmation.