The Philosopher's Stone

They spent their lives stalking it,
those medieval monks, alchemists
philosophers.
Through foul potions and dusty pages
they searched for the perfect solution
to the ancient desire
of transforming lead into gold.

And I, with their same fanatic zeal,
hunted the philosopher's stone--
the miracle cure which would transform
your lead heavy body to
a golden, stalwart state.

We were all defeated.
The philosophers were left
with mounds of frustrating lead,
and I, an empty hospital bed.
Neither religion, science nor theory
could alter the fundamental truth:
Some things cannot be changed.

Yet, you discovered a better way.
Abandoning the leaden shell,
your faith produced a golden soul.