Shedding

Death

like a python,

slithers upon us.

All teeth;

piercing our flesh,

making us cry out

in anguish.

Then a long, slow constriction-

suffocating and

smothering.

 

Hope

like a beacon,

shines upon us.

All glorious;

warming our flesh,

causing us to sing

for joy.

Then a peace

enfolding-

invigorating and

inspiring.

 

Teetering between

death and hope;

oscillating and

careening.

 

Life

like a promise,

of death postponed.

All dewy;

charming our senses,

helping us to forget

our end.

Then an unwelcome

intruding-

unraveling and

awakening.

 

Christ

like a thief,

takes everything.

All dreams;

removing our illusions,

leaving us with Him

alone.

Then a time of

suffering-

ennobling and

deifying.

 

~FS