The Last Time We Close Our Eyes Poem by Jim Yerman

It happens every day…it comes as no surprise
When the day is done…we fall asleep…we gently close our eyes…

And we assume that every morning…again we're not surprised
when a new day will dawn before us…as we open up our eyes.

But the other day a friend of ours…it was kind of a surprise
went to sleep and it was the last time she ever closed her eyes…

I'm sure, although, she was prepared, she didn't know right then
once she closed those beautiful eyes…they would never open again.

And so it makes us wonder…it makes us think…sometimes we agonize…
Will we be happy with the life we've lived…the last time we close our eyes?

Have we played and laughed and smiled enough?Have we been kind in our replies?
Have we danced and sang and shared enough before that last time we close our eyes?

Have we loved and have we been loved?Have we enjoyed the oceans and the skies?
Have we accomplished some of our hopes and dreams…before that last time we close our eyes?

Have we been compassionate and accepting to everyone we greet?
Have we been the kind of person…we would like to meet?

If today is the day we experience our final moments…our final awakening…our final sunrise…
Have we left good memories for those who tomorrow will open up their eyes?

Of course each one of us has our own questions….our own list we must comprise….
Things to make us wonder…before that last time we close our eyes.