Stairs

Poem about the end of a criminal's life.

The first step up is the easiest.

“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.”

There’s a small pause,

then the next step towards the top.

“He maketh me to lie down in green pastures:

he leadeth me beside the still waters.”

It’s another half foot upwards

and the plateau is closer.

“He restoreth my soul:

he leadeth me in the paths of righteousness

for his name’s sake.”

I reflect on the past,

fond memories flood through my mind,

my heart,

my very soul.

“Yea, though I walk through the valley

of the shadow of death,

I will fear no evil:

for thou art with me;

thy rod and thy staff they comfort me.”

Up again, and another step closer.

“Thou preparest a table before me

in the presence of mine enemies:

thou anointest my head with oil.”

As I head to the next stair I am filled with regret,

with loss.

“My cup runneth over.”

The top at last, the floor levels off

and I step forward.

“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me

all the days of my life.”

A fibrous rope is placed over my head

and scrapes against my neck.

“And I will dwell in the house of the Lord

forever.”

The priest begins the last rites.

My mind is quiet.

I am content to go to the next life

in peace.

This is the end of one trek

and the start

of yet another.

Reviews

[magenta24uk]

Made me suprised at the end. Very good. I hope the next journey is a better one for all of us. ;)