Poems ✍️

After Death Hath Cometh 'fore Ye { For A Friend } - Poem by Frank James Ryan Jr (FjR)


In separate worlds live surfeit minds,

disagreement veiled by assumptive snap -

to judgement, by minds of stone

and pride that Webster labels fatuous.

But trust me, as you surely know-

that all of this will someday pass away,

as so will you and I...dear friend,

and when that someday comes

ther'll be nil time for wood and nails

in mending broken fences that-

for years we've swung and struck to shard,

and shavings, just to share the job

of cleaning up the dust and attitudes

that paints a fence of black and blue,

a gaunt and sullen ambience

that fills the air about us stenched

mundungusly, like old cigars

at pool halls with a second floor

with whores that never close.



For the only gauge when Death does rap

upon our doors, and steals our breath

is how we were perceived in Life,

by those we held in high respect,

how people weigh our good and bad

while kneeling on the pew

before our boxes...yes,

you and me...my friend,

chattering amongst themselves

in corners by the yellowed torchere lamps.

Will we be seen as men of character

or Iscariots in business and loyalties?

Yet, in the scheme of where we'll lay to rest

with all of they who think themselves

better than they ever were,

does it really matter what they think,

or what we think of they

when Death doth cometh 'fore ye.







20014-All rights reserved
Frank James Ryan Jr. / FjR
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