Poem #1 
Dying and being dead are not the same, yet 
those who wait and mourn give little space 
for difference. 
Dying is preparation. It puts things right 
or wrong things worse. It uses precious time. 
Death is time, a Holy Eternity surrounded with grace. 
Should we then not live a graceful life? 
 
Poem # 2 
Some worry about the funeral or the memorial.  
It only gives them something to do 
as they fear death and loss. No time for that, it is all done. 
Instead, sit bedside and listen to stories, tell yours, meld with her. 
Pray together. Hold one another. 
 
Her Matras... 
First, love the Lord with whatever is left of the child God made 
when He made creation, He loved you first, return the favor! 
Loving others is easy, then. 
 
Don't fear judgment of others or of self. 
Leave remembrances, a memory or a treasure 
something for the living to remember  
when they weep salt-sea tears into  
already soaked pillows, something to transform tears 
into joy. 
Something to make butterflies out of creepy crawlers. 

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© 2006