Meditation on a Suicide (Villanelle)

God only knows if death is for the best,
Or who can justly bear his brother's cross;
Sometimes the only cure for life is rest.

Hard men, facing death, applaud a cosmic jest
Well-told, content to have their gold with bitter dross;
God only knows if death is for the best.

Weak men, fearing life, refusing to contest
For bread, their coats of flesh become their albatross--
Sometimes the only cure for life is rest.

Wise men, weighing each, to move or rest
The issue, in the end perhaps a coin shall toss:
God only knows if death is for the best.

Foolish men, of grave death unimprest,
Fear not to lie beneath the earth and moss;
Sometimes the only cure for life is rest.

And you, my friend, I'll judge you not, lest
I am judged in turn; your sins I'll gloss--
God only knows if death is for the best.
Sometimes the only cure for life is rest.