There are some death anniversaries of loved ones coming up for me soon, so I’ve reflecting on their lives and what I imagine/hope for each in their afterlife. The first stanza came quickly.


What Lies Within

Perhaps what lies beyond
already lies within,
the afterlife an extension
of our inner life.

What if kindness defines us,
our energy poured into
giving not taking -
the key to eternity.
Maybe the hereafter will then be
more of the same,
the light stored up
shining out,
sparkling in the night sky.
Forever free.

But if greed and power
were our earthly goals,
then maybe we deserve
to go no further.
If all the beauty on this earth
was not enough to instill awe,
perhaps a life without stars
should be one’s just reward -
unbroken silence for reflection.
Forever bound.



Poetry by Melinda K Zarate The PoetBay support member heart!
Read 124 times
Written on 2026-02-05 at 23:23

dott Save as a bookmark (requires login)
dott Write a comment (requires login)
dott Send as email (requires login)
dott Print text


D G Moody The PoetBay support member heart!
A wise reflection Melinda. It always seems strange to me, that the one fact we can rely on is that we will die, but then we never seem to live by this knowledge and make the best of our lives.
2026-02-06


Griffonner The PoetBay support member heart!
Nicely penned, Melinda. Reading it I immediately thought of Karma, which to my mind was what your words were imagining. I thought of the word retribution and wondered what would be the opposite... I concluded it is just LOVE. Blessings, Allen
2026-02-06


Ray Miller
Enjoyed the reflection. a life without stars - nice phrase.
2026-02-06


ken d williams The PoetBay support member heart!
A very thortful work Melinda.
Our Terry Pratchet, came came
Up with - GNU:
' When who has past away, when thire name is said
' then is not forgotan!'
Kenny D.
2026-02-06