We are never here (2005)

We are never
never here

though there have
been rare exceptions

like Buddha Shakyamuni —

he was here
and made momentous decision

to remain
as evidence —

to let us know
how he was here.

And Emily Dickinson
was here

though faintly drawn

always dying
and yet

collected

like a clutch
of fallen leaves

to be
scattered wide

some damp with rain
and earth

and some dry ones
taking the air

returning to us
only now

settling on paths
to sound our passing:

we who are never
never here.