Day of Reckoning

Four ethereal fictional figures
arrived on heaven's threshold
at the onset of Judgement Day
to be assessed, so we are told.

Saint Peter was firm and resolute
standing erect, with arms akimbo,
“You haven't yet reached Paradise”,
he stated, “you are still in limbo”

That was why the four lost souls,
who'd endured a prolonged wait
- far longer than other arrivals -
stood outside the Pearly Gates.

“Who deserves to be admitted
the Almighty God will decide
but any sinner will not get in
if they have committed suicide”.

On hearing this Anna Karenina
gasped and burst into tears.
To hear that she'd go to Hell
had confirmed her worst fears.

Do not worry, d' Artagnan said,
my dear lady you have my word
that I will get you admittance
even if I have to use my sword.

Flashman, the insatiable lecher,
could not repress a snicker.
Knew that the musketeer's aim
was to get into the girl's knickers.

Oliver could not ask for more,
the challenge was hard to resist.
He'd get in by hook or by crook
and come up with a new twist.

© Luigi Pagano 2018