Not Ready Yet Poem by Douglas McClarty

The organist played solemn tunes
As the empty front pews began to fill
The timid sit to the back near the front door
Waiting on those who have gone before.

Silence as the deceased is brought in
Then all stand to sing the first hymn
The righteous sing, others just mime
For this soul taken, before their time.

Nothing said bad about their past deeds
Only happy stories as the service proceeds
Then comes the sermon, that final blow
As he points at me, are YOU ready to go?

I sit stunned, thinking I'm not ready yet
He said you sinner, not paid your debt
The wages of sin has dammed your soul
Repent now before you're next in that hole.

But I only came to say goodbye, to my friend
Never thought a second about my own final end
Do I want a crowd to sing hymns at my wake
When I know St. Peter will never open that gate.