once I was a rose pedal,
lost my grip and fell,
floated slowly to the Earth,
and decomposed just there

once I was a twisty twig,
lifted by beak to air,
placed tenderly within the nest,
made bed by momma’s care

once I was a puff of smoke
from grandfather’s ancient pipe
I hung in the air for one breath or two,
and quickly left from sight

once I was your lover
and pulled your body close
I whispered all that I did want
and after, quiet doze