HERE AND HEREAFTER

The breath of spirit shows that I’m alive,
But when it stops and I no more respire
And body cools, will anything survive,
Or is my spirit nothing more than fire?

A fire cannot exist when there’s no stuff
To be consumed; so may it be with breath
That cannot last unless there is enough
Élan vital to burn and hold off death.

Or is that vital energy a force
That never ceases and cannot be lost,
That emanates eternally from a Source
Of providence and bounty at no cost?

Whichever way, I hope to be inspired
For many years, and afterwards admired.

*