Thoughts on Death
I felt compelled to author this poem on the dismal nature of reality, yet I found hope and Goodness along the way. This poem evokes concepts of the antique Latin phrase “Memento Mori” which translates to “remember that you must die.” The speaker of this poem begins by demanding answers on Death’s nature but concludes with hope of the coming renewal of the body and soul. This poem balances the trapping lament of Death with the perfect character of God.
by Lana Brekke
Tame ravenous Death to the cage of old age
So that flies lie not in the cankers of corpses.
Bring mortals back from the belly of Dante’s stage.
O Lord, will you give back the bowels of Sheol
Purpose—what purpose is Sleep’s brother
Who marauds and plunders with little console?
Dismal dread defiles Life’s delicacy,
And although the worms devour the saints,
The Lord reels our waxen souls back to infancy.
To be of Him while Thanatos is constrained,
For fruitful life will flow from the leveling fate,
And in our nature, Death will no longer be ingrained.