We’re all terminal
I have been writing these pieces about death but hopefully not in a morbid way. Death is something that waits for us all and there are many views on what will occur. Yet death is a taboo; something we avoid.
I think about death a lot.
I wanted to record a diary of my own thoughts on death and record my own death – quite difficult – particularly the very last bit!
We’ll see how it progresses. If it is soon and sudden it may be a very short book!
But as I was writing this I was listening to the radio. There was an interesting discussion with a lady who had a terminal illness and did not have long to live. She was talking very lucidly about what she was wanting to pack in to what time was left, her priorities, her bucket list, and the interviewer asked if she was finding it difficult to talk about her ensuing death. She said that it wasn’t. She had come to terms with it and that we were all terminal.
The irony is that she will undoubtedly life longer than a small number of the healthy listeners who were tuned in. The difference was that they did not know they were destined to suddenly die.
We go through life and waste our opportunities, take for granted the love, awe and wonder around us, and rarely make full use of our time.
For me, talking about death, makes me want to pack more in to the time I have; to not dwell on my aches, pains and limitations (ageing is a bastard) but to focus on what I still can do and make the most of each precious moment.
Death fills me with determination to live.
We’re all terminal
We’re all terminal.
Each day ends with a little death;
Each morning starts with resurrection.
Our span is fleeting.
A mayfly’s dance upon the water;
A bubble’s iridescent moment.
So while we may
Let us fill the moments with joy
And wonder at the stars above.
For all life is but a moment
That we must fill with love.
Opher 13.4.2016
Here are a few of my books. They are available on Amazon in both paperback and on kindle.
Anecdotes – paperback just £6.95 Kindle – just £1.99 or free on Kindle Unlimited
More Anecdotes – paperback just £7.29 Kindle – just £2.12 or free on Kindle Unlimited
My other books are also available. There is some unique to suit most tastes if you like something thought provoking and alternative.
http://www.amazon.co.uk/Opher-Goodwin/e/B00MSHUX6Y/ref=sr_tc_2_0?qid=1459501044&sr=1-2-ent
This may be my favorite of all your poems so far. Beautiful, Opher.
Thank you Mary. It’s been sitting in my head a week or two and chose today to show itself. I’m glad you liked it.
It may be around the corner but I haven’t quite reached the end of the road yet. I HOPE
Who knows what any of us have around the corner. We came back from Holland today (got in after twelve) and discovered that there have been three deaths in the village of people we know well. One was a young man we knew well who was knocked off his motorbike, one the neighbour across the road and one just down the road. A bit of a shock.
But hopefully both you and me have a lot longer!
Sometimes death is welcomed.
Yes. When life reaches a certain point.
.I agree with Mary, Opher. This poem is a gem. I loved this: Each day ends with a little death; Each morning starts with resurrection So much truth in that.
Well that is praise indeed from you two! Thank you.
‘For all life is but a moment / That we must fill with love.’
A rich moment, indeed! And death fills me with determination to live, also. Beautifully put in this hymn to life. To misquote William Booth, why should the pious have all the best words?
Thanks Dave – nearly completed that travel book!
Following your suggestion I have put out a few book adverts with accompanying info and links. It didn’t take as long as I thought it might.
I can only spend a certain period editing – then my focus goes and I have to do something else.