From the beginning
we shake hands with death
At first as a stranger
when caught in its net

And last as a friend
bearing gifts from beyond
A bridge for one crossing
past futures begone

While leaving behind
the measure of fate
Transcending tomorrow
  we unlock its gate

What’s last becomes first
closing open interred
a singular journey
—not shaken but stirred

(Watching 14 Peaks: December, 2021)