The Grave's Lesson Poem by JOBY JOHN

Dine not with the wife of your friend,
nor pour the wine in secret hours.
Walk only in the light with them together,
lest your heart betray you,
and shame become your name.

You may not know
why you bowed to that flame,
yet the fall will come—
and the grave will claim its rest.

No bells will toll for you,
no voice will answer beneath the clay.
The earth will close its silence,
and worms and ants
shall reign in your forsaken house.

Your fall will lead you,
unbroken,
to the grave.