Is This Really How It Ends? Poem by Patti Masterman

I feel someday that I'll walk into a darkened room
Where the lights seemed to be on just moments ago
And strangely have gone dark; and in wonder, I'll flip the switch
And then it will all rear up before me; banners, cakes with candles burning,
Balloons, flowers; and everybody whom I loved once, and who went away
Will be there saying, Surprise! We came back

We've been on a really long trip; but we're back now,
And sure enough, we'll celebrate all the holidays together
Same as before; the letters will start coming again, with those
Familiar stories about the dogs and the cows, and Uncle Oliver
And Aunt Grace- gosh we have so much to catch up on,
And they'll be patting my arm, as I in disbelief, am busy cataloging
Their crows feet and laugh lines; just to be sure, you understand-

Nobody ever needed the lies of religion as much as I do;
But those promises they just can't keep-
And I know it would break my heart all over again
And I'm afraid next time, there would be nothing left worth keeping
So I hang on to death for dear life.