I Wonder, I Think, I Ponder

If I die tonight,

Would I be among the hundreds,

Would I be among the thousands,

Or am I hanging on a fingertip

Waiting for a loved one to offer prayers,

That I may be lifted enough,

Enough to stand on that last stair.

I wonder…

Look at my degrees,

Hanging on the wall.

Look at my bank statements,

The numbers gradually increasing.

My achievements … my status …

My … my ... my ...

All mine to show the WORLD

I think… 

O dear soul,

Arise from your slumber!

Your vanity will take you to the place of ten-thousands,

The day you depart this body.

Awaken by these harsh words,

A good person you are, consoles my mind.

Shush.. shush… shush… listen

Does your envy make you want to supersede?

Are you gluttonous without a thought for the hungry?

Is your greed excessive that your hand is not charitable?

Does your pride belittle others?

Are you slothful to the needs of others?

Does your wrath make you provoke or disturb the peace?

I ponder…

O, dear Jesus, I can’t do this alone,

For this world offers me goodies,

Goodies I know that won’t take me to heaven,

So, I pray for the gifts of kindness, temperance, charity, humility, diligence, and patience.

Amen.