Where do you go when you die?
Do you escape from your being
And blend with the breeze?
And rush out of your body,
As your life comes to cease?
Where do you go when you die?
In one big exhale
When your breath becomes air,
Do you heave a final sigh of relief
Do you travel beyond all troubles and care?
Where do you go when you die?
Do you sit atop the topmost branch
Of the tree outside your window,
The house you lived in has changed
And all the people the way you would know;
Where do you go when you die?
Do you ride on the wing
Of a bird for a while,
Knowing that your soul must fly
Across a million and an extra mile;
Where do you go when you die?
Do you return to sit at the corner of my eye
In rows of glistening tears,
Easing my pain out
And all my hiding fears;
Where do you go when you die?
Is it then dust to dust
And ashes to ashes,
Then what about the way you live inside me
And race across my head in the lightning flashes?
Where do you go when you die?
Do you return to the Maker
And prepare for a journey anew,
Do you get to meet those who went before you
Maybe a few friends to you who were true?
Where do you go when you die?
Is there a place
You and I can still find?
There must be a way to reunite
Just as you’ve stayed
Fresh on my mind!
Death is a difficult word to pronounce, to think, to accept, a thought that is frightening to many and wants to be dismissed. Death in general is one of the great taboos of our society.
You have shown us that death can be spoken of if you do it in a poetic language that inspires serenity.
What a wonderful, wonderful feedback Aldo. Thank you for such nice words.
L. Aruna, I second Larry Tyler’s comment that this is a very touching poem. Dying is not a subject many people want to think about or read about. Yet you created something that was so beautiful and so compelling to read. I hope you are safe and well. Take care.
Your words will be cherished Joel. Death is so difficult yet inevitable. I wonder if we do ever come to terms with the concept and reality of death.
I wish you and yours safe and stable times ahead.
Many thanks.
A Very touching poem.
Thank you Larry. I find your words encouraging.