We may be gone forever
When we leave this world
There is no guarantee of return
And yet we live our lives
Hidden and ashamed
Our light occluded
By imaginary shadows
As though we are here forever
We suppress our creative impulse
And struggle with our worth
But really, who cares,
Everything and everyone here will be gone
Dissolved into the dust of time
Nothing will be left

Throw off the chains today
Again and again
Dance in the mess of it all
Be wild and free
Cry and laugh and grieve your sorrow
Paint and write and sing your joy
Pick up an instrument
And make some noise
Tell everyone you love them
Give gifts to loved ones
And strangers alike
Make someone’s day
By paying them attention
Shine your light now, today
It may be all over tomorrow.

Photo by David Hofmann on Unsplash