An Ongoing Debate

Ever since we humans were able

To carry on a healthy debate,

Folks have disagreed about

Each individual's ultimate fate.

 

Will death be, as Socrates put it,

Ultimately, a dreamless sleep--

One from which we never awake,

But also one that's painless and deep?

 

Or will we be transported somewhere

To meet and chat with the greats from the past--

Philosophers, religious figures,

Artists, athletes? The list is vast.

 

Will we end up in paradise--

With glorious gardens, lush and green?

Or will we find ourselves in hell,

Or even somewhere in between?

 

Will we return in a different form

Of life and start all over again?

Maybe men come back as women,

Or women might return as men.

 

Many folks think that there should be justice--

Punishments or rewards for all.

Everlasting torment or bliss:

A supernatural being's call.

 

Some folks think the living can pray

And thus assist the souls of the dead.

Others feel that praying won't help--

That we have soulless bodies instead.

 

This debate will probably

Go on forever, I suppose.

Whatever anybody says,

The bottom line is no one knows.

 

-by Bob B (1-2-26)