Interpretive Paraphrase of Ecclesiastes 12:01-08

We entrust ourselves to the futile things that seem to matter at the time, says the one who knows.

While you are young,
before the inevitable days of sorrow come
when you will say, "Whatever."
Do all you can to keep the True God - the Ultimate, Personal Source and Destination - in your awareness

Before your seeming lights turn dark...
Before clouds have too often been on the horizon...
Before the last anxieties loom...

...When all doors are shut.
The factory makes barely any noise at all.
The softest birdsong awakes.

Fear keeps you at home, though all is in bloom.
Wild fruit is everywhere, but those who would eat it are fatigued.

You are preparing for Eternity Revealed while those who will miss you prepare to mourn
who watch their precious link to you desolving,
a dozen unique benefits dwindling,
your support becoming fragile.

What they knew most of you will return to soil
As what they knew least returns to God, who knows you best.