By Rodney Murphy
In the presence of death we stand awkward, and ill at ease;
For death is a well-known stranger whom we recognize,
but do not wish to know;
But death is not a thing in itself, but a stage in the journey of life,
through which all must pass.
It may come swiftly and catch us unawares,
or slowly with leaden feet;
but death comes to all who live, and in so doing
heightens the understanding of the one we know.