Jude Chukwuemeka Muoneke

AT THE BEAUTIFUL GATE

 

My glorious transition 
came all of a sudden, 
But believe me and within me 
I was ready for the journey. 

It came, 
While I was at the farm 
moulding the mother earth, 
Therein, I was trapped. 

They ambush me with rifles, 
mocking at my medal, 
I couldn\'t run, 
As the seeds of their rifles 
roar angrily in the sky. 

Then, it was dawn on me 
that the Master needs me home, 
My hands quickly romanced the Rosary, 
\"Hail Mary, Mother of God\" 
Slips through my lips. 

A machete cuts deep into my skin:
Hands, legs and shoulders, 
Only then I understood the agony
He underwent on the Cross 
To redeem you and I. 

I found myself
at the beautiful gate, 
Where voices raise and fall 
in melody, 
My soul was brokenly at peace. 

There, I beheld the beauty 
of heavenly hosts, 
Angels hovering here and there 
chiding souls to their eternal abode, 
Many weeping, few rejoices in awe. 

There, I saw the glorious heavens, 
Indeed the earth is haven! 
Where persecution lives forever, 
There is no escape route, 
Only in righteousness 
will a soul rest in peace. 

Hades a home for faithful sinners, 
I pray my enemy never pay 
a sojourn visit to hell, 
It is indeed a glorious doom! 
Just wish many will listen! 

Chineke napu Ekwensu ike! 
Weapons are only transitional vehicles, 
They only kill the destructible body, 
But the soul lives eternally;
Deeds, decide thy fate.