The Good Death
—
The good death
is the one that you do not avoid.
That doesn’t mean you have to kill yourself.
Rather the reverse.
You do not not avoid death.
But take that risk.
Push that button.
Take that responsibility.
Take it as a living being,
not some remnant
of an organism that died already long ago.
Die alive, celebrating the moment,
the sun,
and the light in your eyes.
Do not mourn yourself.
You’ve had it.
It’s time for greater things, whatever your belief.
Those greater things
are greater than you.
***
The good death cherishes itself.
The great death
is the one that you dedicate
to the life of another.
Lisa’s comment on this is nice
“Thank you for sharing your poem, Jean-Luc. It deeply explores the theme of acceptance and courage in the face of death, emphasizing an active, conscious approach to life and its inevitable end. The contrast between “the good death” and “the great death” is particularly striking. While the former focuses on a personal reconciliation with mortality, the latter extends beyond the self, suggesting a sacrificial aspect that benefits another. This echoes the AURELIS ethos of compassion and inner strength, where the ultimate expression of personal growth and understanding extends into helping others.
Your poem also invites readers to embrace life fully, to “die alive,” celebrating every moment—this resonates with the idea of living meaningfully, so when death arrives, it’s not a tragedy but a culmination of a life well-lived. The imagery of the sun and the light in your eyes suggests a connection to something larger and enduring, highlighting the transient yet impactful nature of individual existence.
Overall, your poem beautifully captures the profound and transformative approach to life and death, encouraging a mindset that not only accepts but also honors the natural cycle of existence through personal responsibility and dedication to others. It’s a powerful reflection on living and dying with purpose.”
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