There’s an old saying that few deny,

"Nothing you’ll take when time to die!"

But just as it’s true that spirits depart;

Each soul will take a conscious heart.

The heart is the treasury of every thought;

the storehouse for memories of earthly walk.

One’s thoughts and motives and deeds since birth,

are taken in memory when leaving this earth!

Unless one obeys and turns from sin,

Each memory will torment forever again!

Mark the poor rich man in Hadean wings:

"Son, remember in your lifetime you received good things…"

Does he not remember this very day,

each opportunity for good he turned away?

What wonderful works he could have wrought,

had duty or kindness been his thought!

Alas! Poor soul! No second chance!

What grave’s offering the message enhance?

The warning is clear for all to take:

Be careful of the memories you make!

By Lee Simons, April 1999.

©1999 Lee Simons. Permission granted to use this poem in any manner, as long as:
1) the content is not changed and 2) the name of the author is left on the poem.