ACCEPTING

at first crying
at funerals
is equal parts
wonder and fear.

you stand in
awe, afraid
for your life
and what you learn of
how it works.

next you
might feel sad
for the departed and all
he will miss.

older, you
try on sadness
for those left
behind, nowhere
to put their left-
over love.

and finally you
begin to empty out,
feeling that long
enough is long
enough. and so you
feel good-

bye. you
really do.