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If heaven exists for all, and can't be earned,

But something recognisable lives on,

What will be left behind for those who yearned

For earthly recognition when they were gone;

I've been with many people in my time

Who knew for sure that all they had achieved

Would linger in men's praise even as they climb

Towards their crowning in the Elysian Fields;

But dare I note their names now scarcely heard,

Their books unread, their saying never quoted,

And all their dreams, abandoned and absurd,

Lie forgotten by the crowds who doted.

            If heaven exists, does it need a place

            Where the forgotten famous can embrace?

Brian Hick September 2012

©copyright Sally Hick 22.8.24