The virtuous man, though he die
before his time, will find rest.
Length of days is not what makes age honourable,
not number of years the true measure of life;
understanding, this is man's grey hairs,
untarnished life, this is ripe old age.
He has sought to please God,
so God has loved him;
as he was living among sinners,
he has been taken up.
He has been carried off so
that evil may not warp his
understanding or treachery seduce his soul;
for the fascination of evil
throws good things into the shade,
and the whirlwind of desire
corrupts a simple heart.
Coming to perfection in so short a while,
he achieved long life;
his soul being pleasing to the Lord,
he has taken him quickly
from the wickedness around him.

This verse is from the Jerusalem Bible

Softly wings are flowing
Breezes through the air
Light of heaven shining
God's masterpiece to share

Gates of heaven open
With streams of light that show
Magnificence is captured here
Through portals love will flow

See the clouds are forming now
They gather like soft wings
As gently angels carry love
With every hymn we sing

Peaceful echoes sounding
With love that always chimes
Captured by the elegance
Of angels so divine

Hearts of love so cherished
Enter now with grace
Carried on the wings of peace
With smile that we embrace

Handed to our Father
With tender loving care
Brought to Him with tenderness
His Arms forever there.

~

Francine Pucillo ~
©used with permission
Read more of her poetry here.