On Death

Death is the ultimate in everyday experience. Unique in that it can only be discussed by those who have yet to take their last breath. Bodies shut down and become food for the worms or burn to ash in glorious flame. Death is an experience for the living. To make sense of it, we perform rituals for the protection and salvation of the departed soul, gather with friends and family and accept gifts of food we cannot possibly eat, shed what seems like endless tears, view the body one last time before the expensive box lid is shut forever, view old photographs and tell stories to any poor soul who will listen in our grief. Maybe if we remember them vividly enough, some part of them will remain alive, with us in this world.
What do I have to say on the subject of death? I'm no authority. I have the same human fear of the concept as everyone else, buried somewhere deep within, unconfronted and unbattled. Still only a concept because if I get to close to the thought that I will oneday breathe my last breath my chest tightens with involuntary panic and my brain yells to me "next subject, next subject!"
But what if we must confront this reality, our fears of death in order to fully live our lives? Maybe the opposite also holds true. Maybe only those who fully live their lives, each embraced string of moments can lay down one final time satisfed and ready for whatever may come next.
I want to embrace this ultimate truth of reality: I am going to die. So is everyone that I love. You are going to die, and so is everyone you love. This is all there is, life and death. Everything in existence is impermanant and in a state of constant change. The only time that exists is the present moment. Live in it, it's the only thing we have. Besides death, of course, which I can live with.
Don't say prayers for my dearly departed soul when I have taken my last breath. It will be too late. Don't visit my grave. I won't be there, I promise. Burn everything I ever wrote. Throw my body in the fire while you're at it if you wish. Think of a memory now and then if you wish. Don't dwell on it. Don't hold on to me, my time here will be over, but you will still have many moments that are only yours to live. Sing and dance and cry and then let me go.
Nothing in this world is permanent. The present is the only moment in time. Let go of your fears and attachments and live your moments now. We are all going to die.