Afterlife

by Giannaseaver

November 6, 2015

I wonder what happens to us

When the blood no longer courses through our veins,

When we eternally close our eyes to the light and color and beauty of this world

Maybe we're transported to another dimension in time or maybe

our souls escape us, floating towards the heavens in an invisible smoke.

Those pearly gates, a concept that cannot be scientifically proven,

a feel-better device used when someone we love is ripped from the earth and our hearts.

But how can we be so sure to dismiss it?

I hope my grandfather dwells there,

and not behind the finality of the cold marble wall l I place my hand against when I visit him,

an intangible distance between us.

I want so much to believe that he is just above me somewhere,

drinking the blessed air, the tinkling melody of the Angels' harps coursing through him,

the occasional beating of wings, the only sounds he has to hear.

An epitome of power, grace, tranquility.

But of this I have no evidence, so I whisper a prayer, unsure if it's ever heard,

walk slowly back to my car, hesitant turn the key

contemplating the fleetingness of life in a place of overwhelming grief.

Something wrong with this poem?

Replies are closed for this poem.

Giannaseaver

Gianna Seaver is an avid reader and writer. She is currently a senior at Arlington Catholic High School, where she is a member of the Varsity Swim team and Varsity Track and Field team. In her free time, Gianna enjoys volunteering at the Fidelity House after school program and spending time with friends and family. In the future, Gianna hopes to become an elementary school teacher and aspires to influence young lives. She also wants to pursue her passion of creative writing

View all poems →

Your Poem's Voice

See what makes your poem unique — its voice, energy, themes, and the literary traditions it draws from.

Comments (0)

No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts.