Meaning of Death

As you hit the water

you must have known it was too late,

you had passed the point of no return

with no time left to contemplate.

A numbness entered your body

as you struggled for breath

and for the first time

you realised the meaning of death.

A split second decision

would have lasting repercussions,

the reason for your death

the subject of heated discussions.

For over a month your body

lay on the river bed

leaving family and friends wondering

whether you were alive or dead

until that fateful day

when you rose to the surface

and your body was returned

so they at least knew for certain.

If you could have witnessed

the devastation it brought

would you have given

your actions a second thought.