Poetry

Heaven …

We speak of doves and cherubims
Of angels chanting mystic hymns
With shimm’ring, swirling mists of night
Enshrouding souls in heav’nly flight

Then wait in hope that all shall find
Eternal peace for humankind –
Beyond the stars, this holy place
We think to gaze upon His face

Yet here, in life, my soul is real
Within this heart, to love, to feel
The splendour of man’s richest prize
The gift of life, where here it lies

It’s not beyond, but ‘neath the skies
Reflected in two lovers’ eyes
It lingers in their tender kiss
Within their arms, entwined in bliss

It’s present in each flow’ring rose
In every living thing that grows
Embracing every baby’s birth
It’s not above, it’s here on earth

And if you look, you’ll see it clear
Within the things you hold most dear
Pervading every kindly deed
That satisfies each human need

It’s not a far and distant place
Reserved for those bestowed with grace
Immersed in every single breath
It’s found in life, not after death

And Hell …

The serpent lies in wait, we fear
The pangs of death, e’er drawing near
For those whose lives have not been pure
This place, accursed, they must endure

Set deep within the earth’s sweet light
We speak of hell’s eternal night
Engulfing all possessed of sin
So dark, this evil place within

Yet through this broken heart, I Know
It’s not some place that lurks below
It’s here in life, in every cry
In ever tear, in every lie

It’s found in every human pain
O’er every evil deed to reign
Concealed in all the things we fear
It’s not beneath the earth, but here

You’ll find it in each starving child
Within each living thing defiled
By man’s foul deeds, it lingers on
‘Til every spark of truth is gone

And Satan’s gift sure has a price
The cost is pain and sacrifice
Of love, of joy, of peace divine
In eyes so blind, no more to shine

The devil’s fires don’t burn beneath
The earth, you’ll find no gnashing teeth –
War-torn children will tell you well
Where lash the raging flames of hell