It was unique in many ways
once you had asked,
how would I like to go.

Like sitting on the edge
of a birdbath, after celebrating
summer flight, the sparrow
wants to drop dead in water.

Sometimes you want
to watch your own wake
between hundreds of earthen lamps.

The ending cannot
be translated. You don't own your life,
your freedom. If you
see me as your liberator.
I will bring my own shackles.

Dignity never
comes in black and white
I will wait for you under the shade
of a holy tree.