spirit

blow the candle out.
let the smoke carry you home.
goodbye my old friend.

the shaking and the gnashing of teeth.

the drooling and the loosing of bowels.

this is the macabre dance with death.

this is the grim reaper’s beam slowly lowering.

and you are courageous.

you are dressed smartly in your tuxedo.

you are proud and your eyes bright
in this valley of death.

you are unflinching in your resolve.

you will meet death on your own terms.

though he may shake you and squeeze your innards.

you will meet him with equanimity.

with quiet determined and patient resolution.

though your breath is labored and your vision dark.

you will take to valhalla when ready.

we will try and ease your pain and suffering.

we will doff our hats at you sir.

we will bow at your dignified departure.

and we will always take your spirit in ours.

and your time here was not for naught.

your time here gave gifts and lessons
that you so quietly taught.

good night sweet prince the valkyries hover.

let them lift you towards heaven’s honor.

the snow lies heavy.
not as cold or heavy as
my blue beating heart.

to find your way through
the thick jungle of despair.
the path not taken.

the green bud bursts forth
upon a jewel of white.
premature living.

sharp pain of soft loss.
quiet space clanging so brash.
where is this lost life?