Wednesday, April 30, 2014

Valar Morghulis




This bitter truth won't pass us by.
There's no escape, yet how we try.
Postpone at most, yet time does fly:
Not one exempt:  all men must die.

And some they fight t'increase their days.
And in so doing, lose their way.
And was it worth the few more breaths
to suffer such ignoble death?

To die with fam'ly, riches, fame--
All by itself--is so inane.
Enjoy it duly, while it lasts.
Inexorably becoming past.

But all too soon, the end does come.
To leave us stripped, bereft, and dumb.
Our fam'ly, wealth, we cannot take.
And that we could, we did forsake...
For a few more breaths, a few more days.
That preciousness I should have saved.
I should have increased, should not have spent.
And now I'm left with this lament:

Don't busy yourself with chasing breath,
And unaware our fate is death. 
'Cause men not foolish, clear of eye,
Indeed know this:  all men must die.

Were I among them, then I'd know--
That blade and spear are not my foe.
It's to die with nothing left to show--
Ashamed and broken, forced to go.

The best of men, they plan for life.
And always loathe to sacrifice.
They build up fam'ly, wealth, and fame.
And fight with those who do the same.

They only see worth on this shore.
And greedily they're wanting more.
And on their last, they beg and plead
Before the Reaper, on their knees.

But the least of men are much more wise.
The prize they seek not with their eyes.
And plan they not increase their breath.
Instead they ponder worthy death.

When Reaper comes, they say, "You're late.
I've been past ready for my fate.
Do take this body to the grave,
Take it all, 'cept this I saved."

But to such heights, I cannot fly.
And time so bitter, passes by.
Raise your head, and do not cry.
Valar morghulis:  all men must die.

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Been watching too much game of thrones, then figured that "valar morghulis" is an interesting philosophy.  I'm not quite satisfied with this piece so I may do another.  Iambic tetrameter (with some deviations