When the atoms that are our essence
pause for only an infinitely small time
in our bodies,
on their way from the explosions of stars
here for a brief billion years,
and then onward,
perhaps to another galaxy,
long after our Earth is absorbed
by celestial bodies
billions of years from now
death has less meaning.
A tiny step
in a glorious transformation
of matter and energy,
from one shape,
one place,
to another.
Minerals nourish plants.
Plants nourish animals.
Animals nourish humans.
Human ashes nourish soil
and ocean.
Our existence is everything to us,
but insignificant
ten galaxies from here.
Our part is only
a momentary glimmer
in a system so vast
we cannot comprehend it.
And yet this tiny part we play
is glorious,
and connected —
to planets,
trees,
insects,
and elephants,
to each other.
All connected.
All amazing.
All our heroes
are dead or dying.
The most beautiful,
the most famous,
the most powerful,
the richest,
the best,
the worst —
all are making their way
through a system
that renders their hopes,
their fears,
their achievements,
no more permanent
than breath.
All we can do
is marvel
at the infinite machine
we are part of.
Appreciate and enjoy
our piece of the journey.
Recognize
that we are connected.
All of us.
All one.