Paper and Ink

everyone wants to die 

peacefully in bed

at the ripe old age of 95,

except, of course,

the person lying peacefully in bed

at the ripe old age of 94,

but I will not argue that decision

with the great source of Universal kismet

that aligns such events,

and I’ll ask 

but one thing

of those I leave behind,

bury me with paper and ink,

my spirit free from encumbrance

of the mortal shell in darkened tomb,

so I may offer the views 

from atop rainbows and clouds

and the other side of sunsets,

and let not the end of earthly walks

cease my attempts

at the indescribable.

inspired by a letter by Giacomo Puccini, 1920

dedicated to Pete Seger

Ken Owen   Van Niddy Press   January 2014