The art of dying well is lost to us
long gone with the old notion
that all God’s children
are saints 

where no dread ledgers of tresspass are kept
to account the souls of the wicked from
the rolls of the pure
of heart

and promise is not forgiveness of sins
but for indulgence and absolution
of innocence borne
in sin.

Imagine these days to die unafraid
to face dread angels whose tears would lift us
up and carry us
to peace.