The Reaper

 Heaven goes by favor. If it went by merit, you would stay out and your dog would go in. Mark Twain

 

I stopped to see my father today

as he lay on his third deathbed

The Reaper visited two times before

but my father refused to play dead

 

"Son he said. Come sit with me

for I feel it my duty to tell

It's not that I have found Heaven

but more over I didn't find Hell"

 

I suppose when a man nears his end

he fears for his immortal soul

My father thought the sins of his youth

would reap him a horrible toll

 

To all of us who have known success

from labors and pains endured

It isn't the end that fills our hearts

it's by the journey that we are cured

 

For a man knows nothing if not that

as he learns from life's long way

Through troubles faced and overcome

strength and character grows each day

It doesn't matter which God you believe

nor which Heaven your bus runs to

Grow your faith in your fellow man

and perhaps he can go there too

 

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Author's Note

Out from the black of eternal night shone a ray of light!

Reviews

[lee von cleef]

How can I review, when you start out with Mark Twain staring me down? Will Rodgers he would of been easier,
or a wild thought Zappa, "Joe's Garage". You leave no room Fathers yours and mine have the edge, they could read,and not just books,Men , they would measure,the moment, the time, the gap in the man at the end of the hand,pressure, depth of eye,their force was knowing of the part out of line, by grace they would live and accept from others what they would not from you. The Bar was high for all, but we placed ours in our fathers will.

[Tate Morgan]

How apropos that you would mention the hand pressure i remember teaching little Drake the boy I adore to shake hands I told him how a man judges anothers character in a hand shake. We went to his school then that day to meet his teacher he shook his hand. The teacher turned to me and said Man what a grip this boy has. Lol The smile on little Drakes face was priceless!

[lee von cleef]

lesson they don't teach anymore.

[Tate Morgan]

How true I remember after that his other saying I never knew drake needed a man in his life till you came along up till then he pushed every man who got near me away suddenly you come along and he can't get enough I remember at seven him in the other room telling her if you don't marry Tate you will suffer my wrath lol he said you don't get it he is the only man whom loves me the rest all talk to me to get to you Tate comes here to see me as much as you how true that was

[Tate Morgan]

Children know they see right through facades they say what they feel

[melissa]

Love the poem Keep sending me to read

[Tate Morgan]

thank you feel free to read the ones i have here

[Eddie Phillips]

To all of us who have known success
from labors and pains endured
It isn't the end that fills our hearts
it's by the journey that we are cured

This passage spoke to me. Thanks for sharing Tate

[Tate Morgan]

Thank you Eddie I guess it is a simple truth But a truth none the less

[TL Boehm]

its not that I found Heaven but moreover I didn't find hell. Well said.

[Tate Morgan]

I thought it was apropos for him to admit lol thanks

[J. Hampton]

somber piece....
it takes what it takes for all of us...grace cant be bought or sold

[Tate Morgan]

agreed It doesnt show any favor to us for our demeanor

[JB Murray]

Honestly, you could remove the entire piece and leave behind just those last few lines... and more than enough is said.

[Tate Morgan]

Thanks jb I hope you are well

[carol burgess romance]

I can relate to this Tate, my husband has been very ill for quite some time and he used to worry about his past mistakes but I do believe he has more peace today since he turned himself to the one and only true God....good write

[Tate Morgan]

Thank you Carol I suppose when a man nears his end

he fears for his immortal soul My father thought the sins of his youth would reap him a horrible toll How apropos dont you think

[Cassie]

Heaven goes by favor. If it went by merit, you would stay out and your dog would go in. Mark Twain...Tate this quote is really funny, and now onto the poem... the last two stanzas have such a deep message, I loved this one and thank you for sharing

[Tate Morgan]

thank you dear

[Sharon L.H. Kelly]

" It's by the journey we are cured." I believe those words are true, having watched my mom pass in September. She was lucid until the last few hours and saw her parents, my dad, and others who had gone before her. It was very comforting. It is the last thing that she taught me... Heaven does exist.

[koty bell]

This was deep,profound and very eloquent...great work tate but then again from u i expect nothing but the very best awesome job

[Tate Morgan]

Thank you Koty just got in

[koty bell]

No problem tate...u rule!

[Mockingbird]

there is wisdom and sound advice. great job.

[Tate Morgan]

Mockingbird Thank you dear Its so nice to see you again