XXV

And one day, at last, the sun will arise on your final morning in this mortal frame. Though which day that is remains a surprise,

you have lived each as if it were the same- as if none beyond were promised or due. Thus when the ultimate last dawn you acclaim,

there is nothing different you need to do. You greet the morning with open heart still, you live through its hours kind and true.

Perhaps your hair is silver, movements slow, or perhaps fate chooses a younger hour- the timing of death no mortal can know.

But having rehearsed with daily power to let go life, you carry no regret. Your heart is at peace as petals and flower

of your earthly journey begin sunset. If there are loved ones, you embrace them dear, speak all the love so nothing’s unmet.

If there is work to finish, you persevere calmly, or leave it with wisdom and trust. You have long put your soul’s affairs clear.

All that remains is to do as you must: to die one more time as you have every night. The difference now-your body turns to dust.

Even on this last eve, under fading light, you perform your ritual one final time, breathing gratitude, releasing hold tight.

No panic, no clinging disturb your mind’s clime; for years you have practiced the art of release. Death knocks gently; you recognize the sign.

Old friend, you think, shall we dance into peace? And so you lie down as stars crown the sky, feeling life ebbing like a tide’s decrease.

A last twilight vigil: you are ready to die- not with bitterness, terror, nor with plea, but with grace, like a fulfilled sigh.

Memories drift by like leaves from a tree, but you let each go with a tender smile. Your life has been lived intentionally.

Each day a completed circle, not futile. Now the final circle draws to its close. Your breath grows softer; pain slips into mild.

You have said your farewells, made your amends, your garden tended and your songs all sung. There is no unfinished business that offends.

As vision dims and silver chords unstrung, you find it feels much like those nights before- a descent into silence from words once on tongue.

“Remember: you must die,” you had lived by this lore. Now you do, and in doing so, live evermore.