I lived and watched, to wait for Death.

Colours rolled by, fading one into one

And Life it seemed to be a trial - no end,

Until, then at last, I was freed from toil

And my mortal body laid to rest in soil.

But even then I had no rest

For my soul ascended to Celestial Gates

And I was met by light from the Guardian Angel.

'Saint Peter', quoth I, for 'twas his name,

'Why am I upon the clouds when in my life no good did I?'

Verily he answered, with a kindly smile but saddened eyes,

'For you it's decreed to wait a while.'

And then appeared at the pearly gates the shape of a man

Amid the cloud - I shrank in horror from the Lord Of Hell!

He turned and thus spoke to me -

'So you're here at last and here to stay.

Now come and see the home you've earned.'

And then He spoke to Old Saint Peter and talked

Of the times they'd watched and wagered,

betting on who would win my soul –

'In his Life he little accomplished much and like I said

With me will he go to the fiery pits of Tarterus!'

Saint Peter, on seeing my face, riposted -

'Dread Lord Of Flame, with all mortal sinners filling your ranks

Should all who die receive such thanks?'

'My friend, my brother, my colleague in Heaven's past,

Is this man in your great chained book? For if 'tis so

Then the Law is the Law and I shall return whence I came.

But, if his name be stricken through, ah now, then we shall see who

Can claim his soul - me for myself or you for you!'

So, Old Saint Pete (I mean no disrespect

But the old boy looked a little more than flustered)

Turned to his book, licked his thumb and flicked the pages,

Finding the column that held my name.

I waited and watched as his face fell grave,

He faced Lord Lucifer - and conceded!

So down I fell into Hell's abyss with Satan smiling at my side

And the angels watching from the clouds.