He died in a pool of disgust
after a lifetime of self-loathing
a life in which he had abused people
their trust, and even his own family’s good name.
He had been a terrible person by his own reckoning
and he was filled with remorse — but also self-pity.
It was thus that he found himself before his Maker
and he fully expected errors had been made in the direction
of his post-life travel arrangements.
His Maker looked at him and said,
“You are one sorry son,
and you’ve been a great disappointment.”
“I”, he spluttered.
“Interrupt me not, for I am not in the least finished.
You have stolen yet not hurt, you have hurt though not killed,
you have killed but only in the name of your country,
peace and negotiation and compromise seemingly beyond
the gift of human understanding.”
he heard him say,
for he was far too afraid to look upon his countenance.
“You have cursed and been ungodly
but you have cared for your old neighbour.
You have drunk to excess and yet have always
got to and done a days work.
Heaven only knows how sometimes.
You have had fights in the streets
though you have indeed tried to reform.
You have never listened to My Word
when I could have helped you and
it surely pained me to see you struggle.
You are one mixed-up man.”
He was agog as his sorry life was so
painfully listed before him, and
he was sorely afraid of his fate.
His Maker went on, “However,
you are basically a good man adrift.
somewhat confused and in a morass of self-doubt,
and I would not cast you down to my
Greater Disappointment below,
where you would surely not enjoy
— a single moment.
Get yourself in here lest I change my mind.
Do not think that this is the end of it, for
you have much to redeem yourself for
and my rooms are many.”
Without another word his Maker disappeared
and he was amidst a wondrous throng.
He felt completely enlightened and knew
he had been saved. His heart was so full
and he felt a goodness he’d never known.
He truly wished he could pass this feeling
on to those he had left behind and that
he could make up for his past wrong-doing.
“You will my boy,” he heard. “You will.”
©Joe Wilson – All that is… 2014
Jovis on a Journey... 
wow – I am humbled and speechless – You took me back when I was studying English Literature in my high school and reminded me of the classical English. Your poem is fantastic!
That is very kind of you, thank you. English Literature and English Language were always my favourite subjects when I went through the British Grammar school system in the sixties. Sometimes it all comes back and I remember the way form was taught and nuance. In this piece of free verse I think I was finally able to show my old Master, Tom Davies, that I really was listening and taking it in. My excellent results never seemed to convince him, but he was a cantankerous so and so. 🙂
I very much appreciate you responding back to me. I wish your health is improving.
I had to ask my father to read your post earlier today, I am finding each day that education during old generation was much powerful and higher standards. That is on the most important factors I enjoy your presentation. Again, Thank you!
Thank you, you’re very welcome. i hope your father enjoyed it too.
My health continues to improve.
Thank you – I appreciate it – May God Bless you and keep your health.