Shadows on a Grave - Feb. 12, 2026

I sometimes wonder

what happens after the last breath,

if awareness stays as I’m thrust

into a new place where I know no one

and after that jarring initiation,

I hope it doesn’t take long to get

my feet on the ground, and knowing

me, let my mouth start reeling in the

first few souls I encounter, hopefully

a friend or two, then find some social

group for newcomers before joining

a club or two, get invited to a potluck,

hoping they have ovens and ingredients

for cookie dough there, eventually

ask someone over for a private dinner

if I see there is singular potential

no need to worry about me, so please

from the other side of this death equation,

there’s no reason to visit where I’m buried

as much as you may have loved me

I’m either having a great time

or time won’t even be in the picture

just treat me like one setting sun

of the thousands witnessed

and please,

no shadows on my grave