THE ONE SAVED IN GOD LAUGHS LAST

The poor man prays fervently to God,  

but not for sausage or steaks, you see.  

He seeks Mercy and Kindness in life to fill,  

for human winters can be frightfully chill.

Hearts turn cold, hardened by Evil’s plight,  

and they always think they’re in the right.  

Yet with his soul, he remains thrice patient,  

sighing, knowing their path leads to damnation.

What else can he do with this burden he bears?  

He can't fight against the cursed ones' snares.  

With head bowed, he stifles his sighs,  

but knows that one day, truth will arise.

For the Holy Judge watches over all deeds.  

Some are cast aside, while others he leads.  

And it’s worth enduring some suffering and pain,  

for the cost of Evil is far too insane.

The poor man wipes his tears with his sleeve.  

Let it be, O Lord, whatever you weave!  

While the powerful plunder and still feel hollow,  

hoarding riches that only breed sorrow.

Where will they go? What will they carry?  

These bitter questions are futile and airy.  

He lies with worms, wakes with decay,  

and needs nothing from this earthly stay.

But when the end comes, he won’t escape,  

for iron bonds tighten ‘round his fate.  

And the dark pit, it pulls him near,  

to meet the beast he holds so dear.

The poor man finds rest wrapped in solace.  

He does not grieve that the world took its toll.  

For he has the Lord and Sacred Faith,  

to guide him until he breathes his last breath. 

For Mercy and Kindness are enough to sustain,  

when he lifts his hands up to Heaven’s domain.  

And even though cast out, lowly, and poor –  

the one saved in God laughs last, that’s for sure…

Stefan Glavchev  

(Copper Bowl)