After

After us, what then?
Will the earth go on
and never end?
All that grew under the sun
every last thing, every last one
will change for a while
until we know
the way the earth needs us
to help it grow.

We plant the flowers.
We plant the seed.
So all that live here
will have their need
fulfilled.

We were creators while alive.
Most of us worked from nine to five.
Generations of humans laughed and cried
and watched while one by one we died.

We made the music.
We formed the art
so all that lived here
could keep their heart
fulfilled.

After us, what then?
Will the earth pray
and say Amen
to all who walked upon her ground?
Or bring us back because she found
she loves us.

poem by Edwina Reizer
Submitted by Poetry Lover
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