WHAT TRULY MATTERS

In less than a century of gathering stars,

all is done - only a glimpse of god awaits.

Shallow labored breathing ignites

passionate recall of unexpected moments

jumping into sharp relief against a

backdrop of lost opportunities.

*

regret hovers...

if only another chance,

how different it could be.

Easing this internalized torment,

extraordinary gifts given and shared

rush forward in compensation

and suddenly clarity pierces through confusion.

*

Naked realization comes to stand -

proud but self conscious

assessing its reflection

in a lifetime lived,

fascinated

by what truly matters

when all is stripped bare.

*

Silence seductively captivates

those last breaths-

teasing them out - one final sensual act.

A shudder passes through,

unidentifiable,

and suddenly there

floating in the ether,

fragments of your elusive life

beginning to detach,

dispersing

into invisible mists...