How Will It Be?

Have you ever wondered how you’ll die, I don’t mean the external particulars But the inner state of mind, When the moment comes? Will you be consumed in terror, Or blessed relief, or simply detached curiosity, Or perhaps some inexplicable mix of all three? One never knows. And isn’t that the beauty of this life? If it’s long enough we get to consider it We may even come close enough to taste it And if we’re wise enough we get to practice it. Perhaps this planning is all it takes To separate the fear from acceptance Against the fundamental backdrop Of mind’s dispassionate gaze. If we begin young Then maybe we will achieve our plans And exit this world with the poise Of someone merely passing from one room to another. It’s always a possibility you know For how we live determines how we die Not the external particulars But the inner state of mind. (10/31/24)