I get the impression that in life they feel imprisoned by the expectations of others (society). Hence the first verse about being abstract ... they are not real! And they feel empty yet are surrounded by life.
However, after death they believe they'll be freed of these expectations and may finally really be free to "live".
I think the "rise" is not to heaven, but rise from the imprisonment of society in life.
I get the impression that in life they feel imprisoned by the expectations of others (society). Hence the first verse about being abstract ... they are not real! And they feel empty yet are surrounded by life.
However, after death they believe they'll be freed of these expectations and may finally really be free to "live".
I think the "rise" is not to heaven, but rise from the imprisonment of society in life.