SONNET 19 : THE SPAN

They came all with their span 'midst merriment

To live and let all live by what's ordain'd,

And grew on each subjected to own extent;

Some broke through, some in their limit remain'd.

The times of past did house them all,

But gone are they with times one after one;

The past is dead in pyres and burial

Each lap complete with the end of the span.

The span that's transient on death expires,

So does your lap if well-perform'd or ill,

But liberated you're from what transpires;

This is alone to God yours do reveal,

That deeds of yours if virtuous and austere

Are placed on the lap of God forever.

-- N P SAMAL