Always an Option

There are those who try to deny hell
But I am not sure why.
There are those
Who choose hell in this life
When the light shines the day long.
I can’t imagine that the next life is so different.
But I also can’t imagine 
That the light doesn’t shine brighter there.
But that means that the darkness 
Must also be deeper,
The contrast more stark.
There is always hope for those who want the light 
Though they flounder and fail to find it.
I do not worry about them.
But there are also those
Who do not want the light.
They seek out the shadows.
They revel in causing pain.
And you cannot force a soul to heaven
Though you extend the hand of mercy the day long.