If what follows this life <br />Is a heaven without suffering, <br />Where the recollection of past suffering <br />Does not induce present suffering; <br />Where there is nothing of evil; <br />Where we are reconciled, at last, <br />One to another and to our Creator, <br />And where all is good and perfect; <br />Surely such a life <br />(If it may be so called) <br />Is better than this. <br /> <br />If what follows this life <br />Is an oblivion without mind, <br />Where there is neither suffering <br />Nor recollection of past suffering <br />To induce present suffering; <br />Where all that we ever knew <br />Is forgotten, <br />Surely such a death <br />(If it may be so called) <br />Is better than this. <br /> <br />If what follows this life <br />Is another, like life, <br />Wherein we shall suffer <br />As in the present present; <br />Where there is as much or more of evil <br />Than in this life; <br />Then hope says <br />That surely such a life <br />(Be it true or untrue) <br />Is better than this. <br /> <br />But whatever follows this life, <br />We must not neglect it. <br /> <br />(Sunday,15th January,2006.)<br /><br />David Mitchell<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/death-and-life/
