wake up before you die
one more time
and in the blink of an eye
be changed forever

I didn't go to your funeral today.
Wasn't well enough.
Part of me feels guilty, but not because of you,
Just because there's an expectation to go to funerals.
Really, I don't mind though.
I don't mind not thinking 'goodbye' in the direction of a coffin
While a man talks about things I don't believe in.
You and I said goodbye not long ago,
And it's a memory I'll forever cherish.
How fragile you were, yet how strong you became
Under the weight of your mother's death.
How you took my own grieving mother under your arm,
Outstretched in love, and asked her if she'll be OK.
And then you turned and looked at me, called me by name,
Walked over to me and asked how I was.
Said goodbye and gave me a hug.
How much your old personality shone through in that moment,
After years of mental health problems but you were still my auntie Jackie.
I didn't go to your funeral today,
But I've got the best memory of us parting ways.

what will we say to each other the other side of death
maybe it will be a silent look of love
so best say what needs be said, and say it now.

before death we share one last breath
what last word will be on your lips
what last word will your ears hear
with what last word will you take your leave.

a death focuses the mind
could be a sparrow
maybe a friend
a stranger with a familiar face
all gone on the journey you yourself must make
and they are so much stronger than you because they have faced down death
gone through its portals, know for sure what its like.

there's a song in your heart
and only you can sing it
wander where you may
your song will follow
it will seem too heavy at times
but for sure it will still be your song
it will still be your heart.