Departed to the judgment,
A mighty afternoon;
Great clouds like ushers leaning,
Creation looking on.
The flesh surrendered, cancelled,
The bodiless begun;
Two worlds, like audiences, disperse
And leave the soul alone.
Astra Castra
Summary
This poem reflects on the moment of passing from life to death, portraying it as a grand and significant event. The arrival of death is likened to a mighty afternoon, with great clouds symbolizing the presence of important figures or observers during this transition. The imagery suggests a separation between the physical and spiritual realms, as the flesh is abandoned and the non-physical existence begins. The poem conveys a sense of solitude at the moment of death, with two worlds—material and ethereal—watching momentarily before departing, leaving the soul to continue its journey alone. The tone is contemplative, encouraging reflection on life, death, and the nature of the soul.Read Online
