I wrote this poem after the death of my aunt. In the midst of tragic loss I hope it may be of help to those who grieve.
Death, despair, devastation.
Life shortened, stolen, snatched.
This is no invention of God.
Creator, Sustainer Unmatched.
Dust once breathed to life in an instant
Turns dry as all seems to end.
The perishable perishes, to dust it returns
While His breath brings to life once again.
The one who prowls and seeks to devour.
This work is of his evil mind.
Love, joy, goodness, life:
God’s creation, imagination, design.
And now this is our cry of hope:
Victory rescues the life that he stole.
This pain we feel will be no more
When His will working is wholly realized.
Sorrow no longer the song of our souls
As we dance death down to its demise.
Its sting stings us now,
Darkness declares its day.
But even in this, praise yet pervades.
Power put in its proper place.
The last enemy destroyed is death.
So fight on, defeaters of sin.
May even this day be one of defeat
For the fool who thought he could win.
Hear, hopeless ones:
Hearts are healed here and now
Freedom forever proclaimed.
Tragedy to be trampled eternally
When together we honor His Name.
Thank you