Coffin Lid Poem by John Allen Richter

This poem details my philosophy in life, that we are here in this life for a reason, to do something. I think we need to discover what that is. And then do it. We are born naked and alone, and though we can experience love - as is what I believe is meant by being created in God's image, we are yet alone and continue to be alone through to our eventual and certain death. What is the test we are being given in this life? That's for each of us to discern I think. I believe it is to learn to love, because somewhere in our past we must have failed to do that..... Scratching on the coffin lid is only used to reflect our inner desire to stay in this life..... Many people say 'exercise daily, eat the right foods, don't eat bacon - do eat Brussels sprouts' - and all this concern will let us live about 5 minutes more.... To me - wanting to stay here is like asking your meanest grade school teacher for a second pop quiz because you love it so much... I just want to go to recess and play in the playground...