A Little Step Away
To close the eye, to fall asleep,
to draw a labored breath,
to find release from daily cares
in what we know as death–
Is this the crowning of life,
the aim or end thereof?
The totaled sum of consciousness,
the ripened fruit of love?
It cannot be, for works of God
are wrought for nobler ends,
and those away continue on
in the hearts of kin and friends.
It cannot be, for they live on
a little step away, the soul,
the everlasting life,
has found a better day.