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Three Death Musings

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1

One day the conqueror worm will conquer me
And therewith render life the Joker’s joke.
Ensuing laughter will then posit the
Arch-ruse and waft away the Joker’s smoke
As I emerge a Mensch, though once a bloke.

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2

The icons of the human race will fall
And taste identically the dust as I
And scoundrels taste. For we are scoundrels all—
The cursed race. When heaving the signal sigh,
I’ll don redemption’s frock that rogues decry.

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3

When my appointment with the reaper comes
Saint Peter may be absent at the gate.
Amid the voices, horns, and lyres and drums
Let me before my Savior fall prostrate
And relish there my festive, final fate!

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Jeff Kemper has been a biology teacher, biblical studies instructor, editor, and painting contractor. He lives in York County, Pennsylvania.

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6 Responses

  1. Cynthia Erlandson

    These are absolutely marvelous, Jeff! The thoughts that inspire them are profound, and beautifully expressed. I think I’m most bowled over by the second one; but every line is dense with meaning. I believe John Donne would love this one.

    Reply
    • Jeff Kemper

      Thank you, Cynthia, for your kind words. I never read John Donne before, but now I must.

      Reply
  3. Adam Sedia

    I enjoyed the sardonic tone you use in these. Death is one of the most profound subjects out there, and each person approaches it in their own way. These poems don’t (this poem doesn’t?) just laugh in the face of death – they laugh at the entire human condition, including at oneself.

    Reply
    • Jeff Kemper

      Thanks, Adam, for your thoughts on these little poems. Sardonic? I suppose you’re right. Preparing for death and post-death (i.e., Part Two of Life) is important with regard to the meaning of Life’s Part One. Death is, indeed a profound subject!

      Reply

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