As one final bated breath escapes

through slightly parted lips,

our soul begins to slowly rise up

and out from the centre of our chests.

Floating towards the clouds as it makes

its way home to the Other Side,

it takes its time to say goodbye

to the world it leaves behind.

The willow trees that made it dance,

the waves that soothed its stress,

goodbye to skyscrapers and automobiles,

 and all the people it loved best.

Arriving at a velvet rope,

it takes its place in queue.

Behind a massive, ornate golden gate

awaits an impressive door.

Passing through this portal

to another astral plane,

this spirit feels electrified,

its excitement can't be contained.

The passageway opens to reveal

a suspended diamond bridge that makes

the Golden Gate seem like it was made for dolls,

 suddenly the sweet, jasmine air

erupts into thunderous applause.

Below, the water is still and crystalline,

in shades of azure and teal,

blinking in disbelief,

you cannot believe that it is real.

People and animals crowd

every inch of the overpass,

upon closer inspection, they're all

your pets and loved ones from lives past.

They cheer your name,

ecstatic that you have finally come home,

you suddenly recognize families and lovers,

some you haven't seen since ancient Rome.

Beyond the bridge lies a fantastic marble fountain,

not unlike the masterpieces carved

by some of Earth's most talented men.

You stop to admire its magnificence,

taking the time to appreciate

every single detail of its

artistry and excellence.

Here, a siren is depicted luring

seamen into storms with her song;

a little further down, a mother sheep

looks proudly on whilst grazing with her flock.

Awestruck that this was

formed entirely of stone,

you trace your fingers along

its smooth rocky skin as cool as ivory and bone.

All around the fountain

is the greatest garden you have ever seen,

with labyrinthine lanes of lilies of the valley

from beyond your wildest dreams.

The air is thick with sweet, floral fragrances

that seduce the senses as they rotate between scents,

Moroccan roses one second

transform into Damask roses in moments.

Vibrating, your spirit feels at ease

now that it has returned,

the Other Side is where our souls advance

once we've run out of lessons to learn.