Float the body down river. 
Float the body down river on fire. 
Float lanterns down river. 
Float flowers. 

Burn the body. 
Toss the ashes in the air. 
Turn the ashes into beads. 
Wear them. 

Tear your clothing. 
Tear your hair. 
Weave their hair into a locket. 
Wear it. 

Wrap the bones. 
Place them in a cave. 
Place them high on a bier. 
Place them in the earth. 

Sit with the body. 
Lie with the body. 
Talk to them. Write to them.
Dream of them. 

Cry. Dance. Shout. 
Sing. Laugh. Chant. 
Play music in the street. 
Make food. Feast. Fast. 

Make an altar. 
Light candles. 
Light incense. 
Make peace with them. 

Make peace.
                        

I want a big-ass party
with a taco bar, 
a chocolate fountain
and booze.

I want peonies
if it's the right season,
and a lot of them.
If not, at least something
that smells really, really good.

It would be nice, but not required,
if everyone shaved their head.
I don't care what you wear-
just something comfortable,

because there WILL be dancing.
Maybe some off-key, drunken singing
but no long speechifying.
A drum circle, if the moon is full. 

Again-timing is everything.

And though I've never been 
to New Orleans, 
I want some of that hanky-shakin' music
to bring me home.
                        

Death and I sit down together
fairly often these days-
have little chats over coffee,
make plans. Who knew 
we'd have so much in common, 
be such great friends?
He's a big picture guy,
as am I, likes ideas,
like me. And time alone.
Which is why
we're taking a break soon.
Even the best friendships
need space.