AUTHENTIC LIFE

                       As far as heaven goes, and afterlife,
                       I’ll simply have to wait and see—or not;
                       Although our sacred literature is rife
                       With declarations of our future lot,

                       It could be wishful thinking, fairy tales
                       Our fearfulness compels us to believe
                       When hope of staying here no more avails,
                       So to a desperate fantasy we cleave.

                      My best recourse then is to focus on
                      The best that I can make of my time here
                      So it is colorful, not pale and wan,
                      Bravely alive, not overcast with fear.

                         If there’s an afterlife, then let it be
                         After a life of authenticity.

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