The search for immortality has been a part of our imagination since we first became aware that we would die. It has been pursued in myths and legends, provided some of the impetus for the exploration of the far corners of the earth, and remains part of plots in stories of time and space travel, television series and movies It  is always in the back of people’s minds as we make advances in medical research, and it sustains parts of industries such as cryogenics.

In our fear of death, however, we forget that the cycle of life is what makes life so precious. If everyone lived forever, the planet could not deal with it, so our dreams are more oriented towards finding a way that we, as “lucky” individuals, could achieve this dream. It is a case of “be careful what you wish for”. Imagine a world where your friends and family pass away in the blink of an eye. You see your children and grandchildren come and go. You watch stars be born and burn out. Your body never grows old but your mind has seen it all.

Would it be a blessing or a curse that you would never die?

I wrote Immortality (Riding in Boxcars, 2006) to focus on this issue. After all, the ride in that “Boxcar” would be a long one.

Glenn K. Currie

 

Immortality

 

Seeking

The blessings

Of eternal youth.

Finding

A single drop

From the Fountain.

All his dreams

His prayers

Answered.

 

Heart and soul,

Joined eternally.

Immortal.

One man, alone,

Traveling forever.

Endless time

To watch

Stars,

Born and gone.

 

Aeons

To search

The universe,

Seeking the antidote.

Aeons

Realizing,

The blessings,

Of beginnings

And ends.