If, upon my death,<\/p>\n
I must depart this earthly shell,<\/p>\n
Perhaps I shall become a stone–<\/p>\n
A stone would suit me well.<\/p>\n
I would spend my time at the riverside.<\/p>\n
I would never count the years.<\/p>\n
No celestial extrapolation,<\/p>\n
Bound by earthly fears.<\/p>\n
But a stone passes its’ duration<\/p>\n
Never feeling sad or alone.<\/p>\n
It is hard to have a feeling<\/p>\n
Being cold as a stone.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
No, perhaps a stone is not quite right–<\/p>\n
An inanimate object is not for me.<\/p>\n
Perhaps a thing with living feelings;<\/p>\n
Something simple as a tree.<\/p>\n
I would break the ground and seek the sun;<\/p>\n
Issue forth from fertile seed.<\/p>\n
I would plunge a root in search of nourishment.<\/p>\n
Upon the earth I would feed.<\/p>\n
And as the years dispensed themselves<\/p>\n
In circles round the sun,<\/p>\n
I’d bind a ring about myself<\/p>\n
In celebration for each one.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Oh but the storms that can wrack the limbs<\/p>\n
And jar the sensitivity;<\/p>\n
Oh how the cruel fingers of Winter<\/p>\n
Claw at the bark so ruthlessly.<\/p>\n
I could not stand the solitude.<\/p>\n
I fear that flaw in me.<\/p>\n
I fear I am not brave enough<\/p>\n
To live life as a tree.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
There remains but one alternative,<\/p>\n
One ghost of a thought to pursue–<\/p>\n
If I must leave this life behind,<\/p>\n
I will return as you.<\/p>\n
I will learn your moods and temperament.<\/p>\n
I will learn your methods and your ploys.<\/p>\n
I will taste your bitter sorrows<\/p>\n
And feel the fine elation of your joys.<\/p>\n
I do not wish to die,<\/p>\n
To say else would be untrue.<\/p>\n
But I hope when the moment comes<\/p>\n
That I may pass from myself unto you.<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
Fall 1977<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
If, upon my death, I must depart this earthly shell, Perhaps I shall become a stone– A stone would suit me well. I would spend my time at the riverside. I would never count the years. No celestial extrapolation, Bound … Continue reading