Booking Early (Poetry)

Each man believes what he believes —
clings on to things that he’s been told —
some explanation that relieves
the need to worry or to hold
those long debates that hurt his head —
where will he go when he is dead?

A strong belief in God’s a must —
the only other option’s Hell
so when it comes to ‘dust to dust’
and that grim tolling of the bell
he plans to be the paid-up chap
with ticket ready — plus a map.

But is the brochure all it seems? —
by then it’s way too late for doubt —
this life is over — all is dreams
once the thin mortal coil gives out...
It seems there is no guarantee
he’s booked ‘for all eternity.’

Is it a place — or state of mind?
Or just a myth to quell the fear
that haunts — lurks furtively behind
another much-too-dark idea
that Death is simply an abyss —
there’s nothing else — no God exists.

Man hangs on tight to what he needs —
puts faith in something with no proof —
ignores detractors — never heeds
the nagging voice that questions truth
but joins the gang and learns to pray
in case there is a Judgement Day.