Are They Still Here? Poem by RIC BASTASA

sometimes i question what
has been taught about souls

are they still here?
are they in heaven, and then on All Soul's Day
permitted to visit us
here in our homes?

is there a day when the souls of the dead
and the those who are still leaving
meet and converse
and evaluate what's up?

i like to think, there is still this connection.
Papa telling me what to do and
Mama still comforting me about
what has been done.

And all the souls of my ancestors
for once on this day of the souls
Guiding me towards what pleases them

and what pleases us all,
something that is good and beautiful
and yes, levelling

when the dead and the living are still one
inhabitants all
in God's everlasting grace.