DYING, DYING, DEAD
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Thanks to Kim, Charrise and Mitchell, Char's last days were
filled with love, nurturing and that familiar crankiness. She said that she
had released all grudges, made peace with her life and promised to find a way
to communicate with each of those who knew her -- each in a unique way.
DEATH
Last midnight deep when sleep eluded
me
slipping like a dream eel
just beyond my conscious net
I arose, lit a candle
put a hymn to Shive on the CD.
In half lotus before
my household shrine
I smoked a bowl
of special birthday twine.
The wind rose wild
outside my open window
The candle danced
and I, entranced
turned my thought to the divine --
"Why the gods?" I begged,
"Where are you, gods?" I cried.
Then the wild wind died.
It grew so very still...
Death came and leaned on my open window sill.
"I did not call YOU," I said.
"Oh, but you did," Death replied,
"You called me loud and good.
I heard you from another land
and came as quickly as I could."
"Not you, not you,
I don't remember calling YOU.
I called the holy gods, the playful ones
to come and light my mind
and lift my heart.
I don't remember asking for the dark."
Death smiled and leaned her torso further in.
"It was your souls who made the call,
and I am just as playful as the rest.
If it's games you want, I know the
oldest and the best...
Would you like to play?"
"Some other day," I pleaded, "Please,
I don't know the rules..."
Death swung her legs into the room.
"I'll teach you all you need to know.
Let me be your school.
There are no rules my dear,
just a simple Law or two...
All the rest is up to you."
