Today

Today I am different.
The sights and sounds of the world breathe through me.

Death is my friend. Look quickly over your left shoulder
it is always there, the inevitable ending of me.

I do not welcome the end of the world
but I accept this life as loan I must return.
A borrowed Dog.
I care for,
I love,
but I will not pretend it is mine.

I will not wear my trousers rolled
or fly with Peter Pan.

I will not bargain
piling my possessions around me
as a bulwark.

I will not fear every chance thrown;
I bet with house money.

I will not guard against every potentiality
but neither will I leave that Dog with a pack of coyotes.

I will walk the wire. I will sketch my best map
and follow it with a strong stride.
And I will dance to the joyous song
that the universe sings to me.

--- Jer