An Early Departure

 Poor old Lazarus,

   sitting at the Table,

    wiping his mouth,

       at the heavenly feast

          overcome by the smells

tastes that smacked of heaven.

White linen table cloths,

     golden candlesticks.

         savory, succulent

           mouth watering food,

            food fit for a King,

and not for newly arrived saints.

Then an angel appeared,

     leaned over and whispered

         in the new arrival's ear,

            "Bad news I fear,

               You gotta go back,

The Lord''s calling your name.".

With a quick regret filled eye,

     the new saint saw the Table,

        The King at its head,

          saw the holy nod,

            bowed his head

and as quick he was gone.

Away from the great feast,

   back to the dark grave,

      hearing the holy echoes,

        his name filled the place

          and so, ever so quick 

Lazarus came forth from the tomb.