Madonna's Last Hymn Poem by Kurt Philip Behm

I'm on my fourth lifeline,
how about you?

The first three pre-owned,
the current one new

This one seems fleeting,
which gives me concern

My freezer now empty,
no steaks left to burn?

The first one was blissful,
the second had pain

The third one reflective,
but this fourth one again….

I try to hold on
and describe it at will

Exceeding my grasp,
it alludes me and still….

I wouldn't go back
to either one, two, or three

The things I see now,
seeded fruit on my tree

If this is the end,
and the lights start to dim

I'll sing the words strongly,
Madonna's last hymn

More thankful than troubled,
more joyous than sad

More today than tomorrow
—the past in the past

(Villanova Pennsylvania: February,2018)