By DEB HENKES

I stand alone in a crowd waiting to get in,
Thinking about my life: everything I've done,
and everything I haven't.
Things I wanted, but couldn't have,
things I got that I didn't want.

When I reflect, I ask myself a lot of questions.
Could it have been better?
Did I use the best of my abilities
to make the world a happier place?

I am pleased with my past life,
for my past life was wonderful.
It was fulfilling to my soul to hear all the cheerful
"thank you's" from people who appreciated me.

I loved all the times I was with my friends;
going to school, celebrating the holidays, and all
those football games.

I remember all the beautiful
concerts I participated in,
all the flowing music.
Lovely music will forever surround me.

As I ascend, I glance
downward on my past;
upward lies my future.

The clouds look so fluffy;
the sky glowing a magnificent blue.
I pass the birds who fly
in a myriad of designs and patterns.
Swooping and dipping like
snowflakes falling on a windy day.
I hear their delicate wing-flapping
like the fluttering of butterflies.

This sound will forever surround me.
The sun, the color of a lemon,
kisses the earth with the warmth of her rays.

I wonder if it's like they say it is.
People used to tell me never be sad because it's a beautiful place.
I must admit, it does look like what they said.
I think I'll love my eternal dwelling place.