Epitaph: fire sorrowful loving

I feel your loving gaze

and sorrowful, tender heart

as you stand near my vanquished body,

cold and peacefully returning to the earth.

I have left the fire behind.

Let its flames warm you and fill your

open heart. Attend to its path and flight.

Don’t let it blaze out of control. Don’t ignore it or

damp it down until it dies out.

Cherish this life.