Leaving
When my time comes,
let me leave as the animals do:
softly,
silently,
melting into the trees.
Like the lumbering bear
disappearing into the bushes –
the white flag of the deer,
flashing surrender –
or the red brush of the fox,
retreating, then extinguished …
let me vanish peacefully
into the deep green of evening.
Let the forest close over me
and sleep settle me
as these bones come undone.
Let my spirit break free,
effervescing like champagne,
pricking the night air
and infusing the world
with gratitude and grace.
Let me leave no trace,
only a rising spark
kindling the day’s first light
and joining the raucous birds
in rapture,
in thanksgiving.