Burned someone today.

A good woman, vital, lively,

loved.

Her time came too early

in the middle of her life.

Family and friends came

to say farewell,

with hot tears

and soft sobbing

and hard pressed lips

in a place burning with emotions.

There will be another one soon,

another dying day for the living

to bear and witness.

Another life finished too early.

We will gather around the fire

of them, and we will moan and wail

while we wait for the ashes of them.

I would rather not do this.

I would rather go somewhere

and sit in silence,

alone with myself,

and remember them.

“Haply I’ll think on thee.”

I don’t want this. I don’t want

to inflict my passing on those

that I love.

I’ve made up my mind.

I’m not going to die.