Begining or end?

[graydon archer]

Death doesn't barter
It bares no remorse
Death doesn't falter it's
Matter of course.

It bares no false whiteness
It makes no mistakes
It never brings back
Whatever it takes.

It makes no announcements
Or times of arrival
Death has no match
It hasn't a rival.

Death isn't gracious
Courageous, or kind
Death isn't pleasing
It's rebuked and maligned

Death never gives back
It keeps all it's winning
But is Death the end
Or just the beginning ?

[grant hayes]

I saw a new post from graydon archer come up, and felt a sense of anticipation. And I read this - and again. And again, Graydon, you go directly to the heart, unwavering. This is a simply, starkly, beautifully worded wonder, full of truth, unfaltering. Says it exactly like it is. This is a poem for the ages, Graydon. I wish I could give it more Likes.

[graydon archer]

Again you humble me, my esteemed poet friend. I truly appreciate your generous accolades.

[grant hayes]

There's a monumental quality to this piece, Graydon. It is worthy of many accolades.

[RhymeLovingWriter]

Oh yes - truth through and through. And a glimmer/chance of hope at the end - just like I like it! Nicely done Graydon - especially with such serious matter.

[graydon archer]

Thank you RLW! I truly believe there is a beginning at the end...

[Sister Greed]

I love the notion of death of which you speak, and a lovely Ryhme scheme, in particular that death makes no mistakes!

[graydon archer]

Thank you Sister Greed, I'm glad you liked it and I appreciate your commenting.

[PoetryBree]

Great job with this. And the fact you rhymed it makes it even better! This poem is a gem. You give it that spark of hope in the end. I love this. (:

[graydon archer]

Thanks PB, I think there is always a "spark of hope", don't you?

[Sumyanna]

Oh wow. Absolutely fabulous write - makes you wonder.

[imrogue]

I like this very much! Awesome poem, Archer! Thought provoking at the end... but I've always thought death as a beginning of something else....

[MHenry]

Hi, graydon,

This is a stark rendering of death as final, up until the last convincing glimmer of hope. At least, for those believers. Me, I think these lines are more likely...

Death never gives back
It keeps all it's winning

In any case, this is a terrific success, giving death its due, which it would take in any event.

Hear! Hear! Respect for graydon! and respect for the man with the scythe!

[graydon archer]

Yes MH, I myself, find it challenging to speculate whether or not there is indeed anything other than death that awaits the mortal soul, especially on such tentative grounds. Thanks for the comments!

[divot]

All my dreams, pass before my eyes in curiosity. All we are is dust in the wind. Who shall he judge first the living or the dead. Mistakes taken to the grave and all his attributes the living now will raise. Great poem graydon.

[graydon archer]

I love Kansas! Great song indeed! Thanks for the comment and for putting "Dust in the wind" in my head.......

[RhymeLovingWriter]

Me too! This one, and The Wall, and Miracles Out of Nowhere, and of course the classic Carry On My Wayward Son (which we have ready to go whenever we are going home and near the KS state line - cross the line and it is on - and we are singing along) - oh yes. Great stuff there. Happy memories.

[D.F.Russell]

Thoughtful and well done.

[Bobby Del Boy]

I'm gonna put my mortal soul on the soul on the line here. There is no death as you question in your last line. I have spoken to many family members on the other side. I'll take my conversations medium rare please.

[imrogue]

life continuum in another dimension?

[graydon archer]

Thanks Bobby, I appreciate your comment and though I've never experienced communications with anyone that's passed, I have no reasons to discredit the ability to do so...

[Suz-zen]

Hi graydon archer I love so much about this poem...It bares no false whiteness

The pace, your ability to rhyme! The message of relentless questioning and searching,that even the most fervent believers, if really honest just might ,in a quiet moment admit to.


Bobby Del Boy I have had some great conversations too and some have been WELL DONE!

[Bobby Del Boy]

Suz-zen and RLW, my Mom actually came through at a planned Medium meet and she quoted Kansas song "Carry on my Wayward son there'll be peace when you are done" No doubt in my mind!