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?