does it matter that I have none to follow

a bare branch that never wanted leaves

but said to birds and insects and other things

here if you wish to make a home

none would remain or not for long

that did not matter was not the point

I offered what I had

now burn me down to ash

<dedicated to Richard>

consider loss and gain

grief yes in so many ways

seems to outweigh the world

then one brief kindness caught in the rush

tips the balance of the scales

the heart of compassion lighter ever

than the heavy feather of illusory truth

each of us has lifted a burden for someone

each moment each day each encounter

your time of listening, your hour of hearing

provides a gentler land

thank you thank you thank you