XX

Picture life and death as partners entwined in an endless dance beneath creation grand. One steps forward while the other reclined,

then the roles reverse in cadence unplanned. They spin the wheel of time with dual grace- each gives the other meaning, hand in hand.

Life in a golden gown, smiling face, Death in dark velvet, both beautiful and stark, circling each other in sacred space.

This waltz plays out in every flame and spark: the flame that lives by devouring the wick, the night that quenches day to reveal the arc

of stars. They move to a music cosmic, a melody heard in your own heartbeat- systole-diastole, drum slow or quick.

Now you, through your practice, join their feet on this ballroom floor of existence turning. Each night you bow to Death, your partner to meet,

each dawn you rise with Life’s touch returning. No longer do you watch their dance afraid outside the hall; you are within, learning.

Your steps at first falter, clumsy, dismayed- who willingly dances with Death’s cold clasp? Yet as you yield and trust the steps conveyed,

you find Death’s grip is a gentle grasp, supporting your weight as you dip and fall. And Life then lifts you, spins you in gasp

of delight. Both partners cherish your all. They have waited for you to learn the tune: the brave soul who heeds their mutual call.

Now you glide between twilight and noon, a dancer at ease with both shadow and light. The fear of the dark no longer makes you swoon,

for you know the steps in the depth of night. You twirl through change with a newfound ease, balanced between extremes, centered and bright.

In this dance you discover the appease of old paradox: to live you must die. Your heart accepts what your mind did unease.

Life whispers a laugh, Death winks an eye- they are but one in two guises seen. By dancing with both, you truly fly.

So continue the dance on fate’s ballroom green; let the rhythm of renewal guide your way. In every ending, a new step convenes.

With grace and agility you now sashay through all of life’s seasons, each tempo’s test. You are part of the dance that holds night and day.

As music eternal plays on without rest, you dance toward destiny, ever blessed.