A Life has Passed

An old man sat in the front seat of a church asleep, unbothered by the bell toll at the church keep, 

His head in his chest his hands clasped, wearing a black three-piece suit with his hair as a contrast, 

Cars drive by rarely and at sparing supply, but still the man seems unbothered by, 

Fog falls around the church drawing near; however, a ray of light falls upon the altar. 

As the sun was highest in the sky, light shone in from the windows with the door opened wide,  

A being walks in, all you could hear was the clanking of their boots, this being wore white, from their head to their shoes, 

The clanking of boots echoed through the hall, but still the man slept through it all, 

Stopping at the altar, the being's faith never faltered. 

This being sat behind the man, blessing themselves before they raised their hand,  

Placing it onto the old man's shoulder, with a jolt the old man awoke from his slumber, 

The being said don't be afraid, and a calmness washed over him with what they said, 

This being remarked, I'm sorry I startled you, but I do have a job to do, 

The man turns to see who he was talking to, though he turns back as the being had a blinding hue. 

A laugh fell out of this being, I'm sorry for what you are not able to be seeing, 

Though I am here to bring you to the heavenly salvation, for you are a child of God and his heavenly nation.  

The man confused asked “I may be old” but I am still spry, I don't believe it is my time to die, 

The man sat, and through his confusion, he started to rant, 

There are so many people I want to say goodbye to, there's so much I haven't went through, 

I'm lost on what I want to do, silence fell on him as he looked his life through, 

He looks down letting out a sigh, not understanding why, 

There’s one thing I got to ask on, how is my son and grandson,  

The being remarked, they will find your body a part...  

Interrupting the man said, where will this path lead,  

I’m afraid of what's to come, what about the things I have done, 

Thinking it's his imagination, moments pass and what settled in was realization, 

a sigh left his lips, as he started crying losing his grip, 

I have so much left yet to do, but I guess now my life is through, 

The being said "your sins are forgiven, your heart is heavy with doubt, but it’s clear from within, 

From the sins you have been given, the Lord only hopes you have learned what they are all about." 

The being stands and the light dims, from what is seen it could only be him,  

The archangel Michael, he stood there all the while,  

Waiting for the man to arise, the man did as Micheal said you truly have died,  

The man looked behind to see, his own dead body in front of thee,  

Sadness fell upon the man's face, believing he looked to be a disgrace,   

Micheal said your family will find you at peace, and their love for you will never cease,  

They will bury you here, next to your darling dear,  

Come along to meet your wife, she has been waiting for you in the afterlife,  

This made a smile form on the man's face, a feeling of love and a warm embrace, 

Micheal again placing his hand upon his shoulder, the man turns and sees a comforting light gesturing him to come closer,  

The man walks through the light, as Michael turns and recites to thee. 

Life is a complete cycle, whether you run or remain idle, 

You will be helped by his will, eventually and even still, 

He loves you, in whatever you do, 

May the light of forgiving grace be upon you. 

By: Ethan McCloskey

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