Parting

Parting Marlene is dying right now as these words tumble onto electronic paper her body is fighting, fighting I talk to her “Its alright”, I say “you know the way” we have discussed the other side I am a selfish ***** thinking of myself, now while she is dying; striding across her long legs anxious to move on, explore frustrated, impatient that her body won’t give up I am not there they helicoptered her to TO my thoughts are there waiting for her freedom I talk to her stroke the book of shells that she loaned to me each page I run my fingers across the beauty left after death, “find the light” I say, “follow it.” “forgive me my trespasses”. For my friend who is dying even as I write. You have embraced life I have wasted it in hiding a coward drenched in fear while you swam with the sharks laughing and unafraid. Gentle friend the universe is yours! ,