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 my all debts I have 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,
Uncharted seas I sail through.

When He calls me I shall go
And my deeds, good or bad show,
Saying “I tried to serve well,
Though how well, I cannot tell.

Whether it’s hell or heaven,
Let the judgment be given.
My turn I shall calmly wait
For whatever be my fate”.

• Written in aabb, 7-7-7-7 syllabic format.


M C Gupta
10 September 2003