Heaven and Hell

Heaven and Hell

A warrior strong, stood seven feet tall,
at the crossed legs of the little master.

“Please tell me, old priest,” his voice shook the hall,
“where’s heaven and hell in the hereafter?”

“What nerve you must have,” said the frustrated priest,
“to rankle my quiet time so;

as if you have always joined in our feast,
as if you deserve to know?”

The warrior rose to stand eight feet tall,
sword readied to send him farewell;

readied to swing at the one with such gall,
who smiled up and said, “that is hell.”

The war man awoke, with the realization--
how the priest risked his life just then.

Tears found his worn eyes in attestation,
and the master smiled, “that is heaven.

For heaven and hell come not in hereafter,
but how we live now on the earth.

When you feel fear, offer laughter,
and the Kingdom of God gives birth.”