Ever since we have been able
To carry on a healthy debate,
Humans have disagreed about
Each individual's ultimate fate.
Will death be, as Socrates put it,
Ultimately, a dreamless sleep--
One from which we never awake,
But also one that's painless and deep?
Or will we be transported somewhere
To meet and chat with the greats from the past--
Philosophers, religious figures,
Artists, athletes? The list is vast.
Will we end up in paradise--
With glorious gardens, lush and green?
Or will we find ourselves in hell,
Or even somewhere in between?
Will we return in a different form
Of life and start all over again?
Maybe men come back as women,
Or women might return as men.
Many folks think that there should be justice--
Punishments or rewards for all.
Everlasting torment or bliss:
A supernatural being's call.
Some folks think the living can pray
And thus assist the souls of the dead.
Others feel that praying won't help--
That we have soulless bodies instead.
This debate will probably
Go on forever, I suppose.
Whatever anybody says,
The bottom line is no one knows.
-by Bob B (1-2-26)
