Most beautiful thing about death I’ve read in a long time. Slightly subversive take on the challenge, if I’m reading it correctly, but I like it.

It… could be considered subversive. It’s written to be deliberately ambiguous, and I can think of at least three different interpretations right off the top of my head, at least one of which has nothing at all to do with death. So, your mileage may vary… :)

I think it’s interesting that for you, the end (which ever interpretation you subscribe to) offers a sense of peace and contentment… I’ve always found endings depressing or non-events, so this piece gives me an eerie sort of happiness. Nonetheless, I think it’s a great entry.

Jim, more than three, this piece is highly subjective, like one-size-fits-all (imaginations).

I see someone whose done many bad things to get what they’ve wanted. Yet, they are going to be disappointed by the rewards.

And: A knight reaching for the Golden Chalice.

“Ascend” is the key word, and it’s highly subjective.

A big idea and so many possibilities in just a few words.