-Afterlife-

I find myself adjudicated,

Suspended in a space of time

Reserved for disposition.

My arms are loosely folded

Across what's left of my torso;

An index finger taps at my mouth

As I consider the Crab’s expanse.

“It’s a real good place.”

So sayeth the impatient voice of Peter.

I’m assuming

Without commitment that

There's room for expansion
And even as it is,

It looks big enough for the kids.

Back in the world I sailed freely;

Shipshape and weatherly.

I saw things as clearly as time allowed.

I thought that would be enough —

The one true life,

The nucleus from where

Everything moved outward.

Now at the portal to eternity

I hesitate before the brilliant

Veil of the Crab.

I quip to the great Saint:

"You know, if you squint, it sort-of resembles Nantucket."

"Nantucket?!–––  For chrissake, William!
This isn't paradise”!

So yelleth the impatient voice of Peter.