Memento Mori

The Death of Seneca (1612-15) by Peter Paul Rubens

When flesh is torn and mind is lost,

Soul remains to bear the cross.

For pain in nerve is pain indeed,

Yet this, my spirit, cannot bleed.

Watch my steps cut through fire

Chasing shadows ever higher,

Relenting not for friend or foe,

Until this world I outgrow.

Time, now here, soon is not.

Behind it all, the fleeting thought

That should tomorrow be my day

All was given to pave the way.

Dedication:

To Brent Thompson, a stoic awaiting his centurion.