(Written August 7, 1994)
One is never really dead even when pronounced.
Never could you know of such a thing as this
Unless you have laid your hand upon the dead.
You can feel their life and yet smell their departure.
Never raise your nose in disgust for they will know.
And never curse them for they will hear.
Rather, place your hand upon them and assure that they, in fact, will be okay.
And if given the chance to be alone with them
Let them know that someone will be waiting for them
And will take good care of them.
