This journey on earth we call life
Despite the pretty illusions we sell
Is full of heartache, pain, and strife
To get to heaven you have to go through hell

Whatever your status on life’s social ladder
Whether rich, poor, or ne’er do well
Even your religious status doesn’t matter
To get to heaven you must go through hell

And not the hell that is a literal place
But an emotional and physical state of being
That can only be conquered by God’s loving grace
And of that there can be no disagreeing

For many bright ideas of man’s for a Utopian paradise
Has constantly by the wayside fell
Bringing about times of pain, injustice, and strife
To get to heaven you must go through hell

You will find many an oasis along the way
But at none you can for too long dwell
It is for certain at none you will stay
To get to heaven you must go through hell

So take heed to these words I say
To pay heed to them you would do well
For you will find for certain some day
To get to heaven, you must go through hell

H.Wilson