Death, in its mighty grip,
Should we fear you?
Death, at the end of the path,
Can we see you?
Death, with a light touch,
Can we feel you?
Death, in a violent world,
Should we fight you?
Death, for a noble purpose,
Should we honor you?
Death, at an early age,
Will we weep for you?
Death, in pursuit of an ignoble goal,
Should we laugh at you?
Death, in a painful life,
Will we weep in relief for you?
Death, beginning an everlasting life,
We will smile for you.
dum spiro, spero 