2010 Poem ‘Death and Life’ by Walter Lerchner, U.S.A. from the Book ‘Realizations’ Pages 28 to 30

Is death the end, or the beginning?
Is death an occasion to be mourned or to be celebrated?
Is death to be feared or to be welcomed?

From nature's point of view
death is simply part of life
to make room for new generations
to provide space and time for evolution

For the eternal part of us
death is simple a possibility
for a rest and a change of cloths

For our human mind, though, death is indeed an ending
whether it's our own mind or the mind of someone else

So, it's ok and sensible to grieve
It's ok to show a little fear

It makes a difference if we have time for anticipation
or if we don't know when death comes knocking

Preparation helps
It also helps to have lived a life with purpose

It helps if we don't live life towards our death
but if we live our life with respect for life
to develop and do good
for ourselves and the life of others

It doesn't help to run from death

It's better to make a life worth living
It's better to allow for time to prepare oneself
if one knows that death could be approaching

Often we spend so much time with extending life
that we don't have much time enjoying it

I would like to know that my life has made a difference
That I have learned and have evolved
That I have helped humanity evolve at least a little bit

And at the end of life, welcome death
like an old friend, with open arms
And leave a little love behind
for those who follow after me