In the fierce to-do of living
I want to be kind and generous
Yet edged and keen as a stiletto.
I want to laugh, though not maliciously,
At others, at death, at myself
And to work small miracles
Even if I can’t work big ones.
I want to acknowledge
My worth and insignificance,
Cling to my moment and savor it
And when it’s over, without misgivings
Embrace my ultimate extinction.
Doing this I will live
Alert and gentle and free
And revel in my lightness of being.