The death knell?

People I knew left, one after the other
euphoria does not last forever.
One quit, as a nuptial favour;
had to happen someday or the other.
The Star-Spangled Banner took another;
opportunity and talent walk close together.
Soon followed, the only mentor,
interference had doused the fervour.
Another got the wader;
warped instincts lead to failure.

Hisses are getting louder and closer;
intent is clear, it’s all for power.
Indus bonds with Hoogly and Bellandur;
sounds surreal, it's the truth however.
Claps aplenty for all things mediocre;
mired in apathy lies the stickler.
Works are fiddled, just to bother;
zeal is lost, no creative fire.
Got caught, in a state of stupor;
road ahead looks rocky and obscure.

Curtains for some... close shaves for a few

Just recently...
an uncle, a cousin,
and a chum, shed
their mortal forms and
crossed over to the netherworld.

Another two buddies,
almost caught a glimpse,
of the pearly gates,
but a twist of fate,
brought them back.

Now, the departed...
are they reliving,
their earthly days,
with good old St. Pete,
over beers and cigarettes?

Or, are they getting
ready for another stint,
in a new guise,
on good old earth,
to savour life, yet again?

Now, the survivors...
are they thankful,
for the second chance,
the lord gave them,
to sip from the cup of life?

Or, do they remain
oblivious to the close call,
preferring to live life,
with a bit of virtue and ,
a lot of vice or vice-versa?