Gratitude is the way to go.
Not only with the daily stuff –
that too, of course – but at the end,
when last words and closing thoughts
become the order of the day.
No need for panic,
no final gasping scramble
to find syllables to stammer forth,
just look back and realize, recall
at least a few of the charmed times
you almost didn’t make it in the past,
but then, by zero effort of your own,
you did, and offer up, to all and sundry,
one farewell – honest to God – word
of clear and simple thanks, plus –
if there’s time and breath –
a last Amen.
