Ephemeral Life

Even exhilerating joy
Does not forever last
So also sorrows deepest
Soon from us they part


Why, this very world
Is not here to stay
Of our own ephemeral self
What can I say?

Triumphs and victories
Will be forgotten soon
Grief and sickness
Will fade into doom

And yet, unfruitful memories
We cling desperately to
Twisting the knife
To rake up old wounds

When we will be dust
And not a day too soon
Why melt in tears
Wallow in gloom?

On the roller coaster
We had a thrilling ride
Through the peaks and valleys
We could stumble and glide

That's it, one prayer
One grateful glance
Some inner peace
That's all we want.