Bitter Thoughts

Once again I contemplate

this ambit we call living

and wonder why it all began

For the past few years

such views have niggled me

Is there an endgame that awaits

Of the millions felled by nature

or those all lost in war

is there some elusive paradigm

What of those through all disease

what of those through crime

will there be exceptions come the time

Does existence have a plan

is there a scorecard that is kept

do we really find some pearly gates

Are we just allotted this brief flicker

to see how we survive

is there a yardstick to take that measure

Are we essential to the universe

is there something we provide

or just some extraordinary leisure

Once again I contemplate

this life that I have lived

and wonder was there more

Because I can honestly say my friend

when comes the final accounting

death's not worth living for