until it’s gone

we treat all life so cheaply
until it’s gone

and then with head’s bowed
appropriately down

for all the world to see
line up one by one

in another endless procession
to pay what are called

“respects” eulogizing the lost
but why not celebrate

life daily (among the living)
instead of throwing

away again a gift not ours
to keep and given

for a purpose deeper than most
can possibly imagine.