As the end times approach will we be satisfied with our choice.
Will our doom dawn upon us if enthralled by the wrong voice.
As the baubles and trinkets we cherished spill to the floor.
Will we be shocked and unnerved by the slamming of prison doors.
Will we cry for our progeny we've sacrificed to the cult of death.
Will we go on begging God to forgive when he says "Hold your breath".
Will we weep for promised salvation, yanked from under our feet.
Will our entreaties fall on deaf ears when we are feeling Hell's heat.

As the end times approach, will we realize God does not practice deceit.
Will we think of Christ's proffered atonement when our trial is complete.
Will it finally cross our minds, our reward is what "happy with nothing means"
When the furnace door slams behind us on Hell's tortured screams.
Will we come to rue our existence, to hate brethren that clung to the rod.
 Jealous of the first resurrection as our bodies rot under this earthly sod.
God's promise was more than simple, "trust in me" and "Ye shall be saved.
Trust in the promises of the master of fraud, and for eternity be enslaved.
D.L. Crockett -- 6/22/24