I heard the news today. I’m going to die.
If I go out and touch your hand; or touch the place your hand has touched, then brush my fingers on my face…
I’m going to die.

I heard the news today. I’m going to die.
It’s news I knew; chose to deny as if I’m immune to nature’s law; could dodge what shall befall us all.
I’m going to die.

I heard the news today. I’m going to die.
I let this in: I will not live forever more; and with those words I find relief; am strangely not consumed by grief.
I’m going to die.

I heard the news today. I’m going to die.
For nature takes away our ill and old; dissolves what’s needing shed. It puts to bed what’s done its best; so for a while, it rests.
I’m going to die.

I heard the news today. I’m going to die.
I’m asking when? But then – I see I’ll come to pass when passing comes. Until that time, I’ll pace my life to nature’s drum.
I’m going to die.

I heard the news today. I’m going to die.
Perhaps not now nor sometime soon. But when my life-force starts to wane, I promise you I’ll not complain.
I’m going to die.

I heard the news today. I’m going to die.
This energy that enforms me will come to life some other way. Hooray! What once was me shall never fade; this may be you, someday.
I’m going to die.

I heard the news. Today I am alive.
I hear the birds in daily song. Again, I run on Porty prom; absorb sun, sea and salty air; am eased by all whose space I share. I’m full to brim with gratitude. Today…
I am alive.

Louie Gardiner