A stroll through a graveyard ...

Every marker, a testament to a million prayers,

A million prayers for healing, for mercy, for added days. A million prayers crying out for life,

Just a little bit more, to love and to live,

To touch once more those we love,

And know the comfort of their smile.

But every such prayer, finally, met:

A firm and resolute No!

This far, and no further

Time catches up with us, if you will.

Time lays down a boundary.

A boundary inviolable, finally and firm.

This far, and no further.

Time catches up with us.

Mortality muscles in and has its way.

This far, and no further.

Yet, how many prayers we've uttered.

In moments of desperation and fear.

How many such prayers have passed our mumbling lips. Prayers answered with a firm and resolute Yes.

This far, and a little further.

A few more days.

A wee bit of love.

Laughter and peace.

This far, and a little further.

A firm and resolute Yes.

To God be the glory.

In life and in death.

In days added, and days bounded. Time given, or time ended.

This far ... and I am with you always. A firm and resolute assurance.

-Tom Eggebeen