Live as if You are Already Dead
Already slow. No longer quick.
Already silent like stars.
Already dust. Eyes without fire.
Not just sleeping. In repose.
Under the dirt. Up in smoke.
In that great gettin’ up morning.
Beyond the clouds. Particles
on the wind. Already relic.
Roadside shrine with a name.
Already wings. Already aboard
that gospel train. Already down
in the river. Already on the ferry.
One day here. Next day home.
Matter, then energy again.
11 thoughts on "Live as if You are Already Dead"
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Really like the syntax here — the “already”s. Especially when they appear at different places in the lines. Also like the short lines, just right for this material.
“In that great getting up morning” is such a wonderful line. And the idea of “One day here. The next day home” so appropriate. Thanks for sharing.
Love this!!
Reminds me of a Buddhist slogan… how do you live… I think I heard it in a teaching of Pema Chodron’s.
I also love the line “ in that great getting up morning“!
Just breathtaking! Love the rhythm. I can see Charon waiting with his ferry. Chills!
I like this very much. Thank you.
Aboard that gospel train! Love this!
The last line…chills
Such great rhythm here! And the “already” anaphora is so moving. Really love this one!
Everyone has said it well, Roberta. Let me add: I am never disappointed with your poetry. Always a mystery, a subtle turn and no exception here.
Fav. lines:
Particles
on the wind. Already relic.
Love this, Roberta!
Really like the pacing of this–phrase after phrase makes for a rapid read, passing like time does sometimes–so fast you can’t get a grip on it. Love that title sets us up for what follows, too.