Celestial Luggage

When you pack to leave for heaven,

I am thinking you will find

There are quite a lot of valuables

You'll have to leave behind.

All the broad expanse of acres

That your monarch eyes survey

You will have to sign in escrow

Till the resurrection day.

You can't take your gold and chattels

That have made your life secure;

If you count on them in heaven,

You'll be very, very poor.

All the stocks and bonds reposing

In the shining, gilded bank

Won't improve one whit your standing,

Purchase diadems nor rank.

You'll be limited in baggage

When you go beyond the sky --

You can carry only virtues

Through the pearly gates on high.

All the kind words you have spoken

You won't need to smuggle through.

You will find the bill of lading

Checked and waiting there for you.

Every gentle deed of mercy

You have shown a living one

You may count among your riches

When your mortal race is run.

All the rest is excess baggage

When your time has come to cross

O'er the borderline of heaven,

It is counted earthly dross.

so get all packed and ready

For your junket through the air;

And bethink you what is lawful

That you carry over there.