You Can't Beat Death

Some days it is hard to post light-hearted looks at death when there is so much real horror in the world. So much of it is violent and senseless.  I suppose that's why I do what I do. I'm trying to harness death and take some of the sting away. Some days it can't be done.

I had a post planned for today, but my heart isn't in it after last night's news of the murder of so many innocent people in Nice. Sometimes the pain of the world overwhelms me. It doesn't feel right to be frivolous today.  The last few weeks, months, years are starting to take a toll.  I hope you'll understand.

The Laughing Heart
Charles Bukowski

you life is your life
don't let it be clubbed into dank submission.
be on the watch.
there are ways out.
there is a light somewhere.
it may not be much light but
it beats the darkness.
be on the watch.
the gods will offer you chances.
know them.
take them.
you can't beat death but
you can beat death in life, sometimes.
and the more often you learn to do it,
the more light there will be.
your life is your life.
know it while you have it.
you are marvelous
the gods wait to delight
in you.