To A Mourner (1957-58)

In coffin dark, with earthworms, I do lie;
My carcass rots, as fruit in gutter thrown.
Now I am dust, for me you must not weep:
Since I am dead so long you must not mourn,
For all your mournful tears are wept in vain.
When Death crept on, a grey mantle swirling.
My breast's last heave my body took from pain.
Before me then the flag of Death unfurling.
You at my bedside sat before the end,
While everything to me seemed black as hell.
How far must this wasted life extend?
Then was my soul caught up before it fell.
By heavenly powers reaching down to earth.
Forget your sorrow; this is my rebirth.

H. SNOOK, 3B