it's okay
to let go
as we both share
in the last moment
I'll ever know.
All of the final arrangements
have been carefully
made.
A shakuhachi flute
is like a butterfly
and I begin to fade.
My mind is weak
but my constitution
is strong.
The next step is a decision
some will say
is wrong.
I drift away from consciousness
while the candle
still burns.
My heart is slowing down
and no longer
yearns
for a life I once embraced
which offered
untold wealth.
If you are blessed,
dear readers,
please enjoy your health.
I am leaving no one
behind
as I am a single man.
I am dealing with destiny
as only
I can.
With the assistance
of my doctor
who respects my choice
I have made my bed
and shall silence
this voice.
I bid farewell
to the pain
that I am unable to fight
and with the now extinguished flame
I burst
into the light.
*******