A Visit to the Cemetery

I visited the local cemetery today
And picked out my gravesite.
I had visited and walked at this cemetery before,
But had never imagined spending eternity there.
I went with my son
Who is visiting from the other side of the continent,
Speaking of other sides.

The cemetery borders conservation lands
And I picked out a spot near a young oak tree.
Not so close as to disturb its roots
But close enough to feed her,
Having chosen what is known as a green burial
In which I become compost
In proximity to the Earth which bore me.

At one point, my legs became numb
And I lost my balance
Reaching instinctively for my son’s hand
As he helped hold me up
Which he’s so often done.

We talked about gravestones
And made light of inevitability and loss
I visualized being brought here at some future date
Laid to rest and covered with the soil I adore
While dozens of crows called out
Welcoming me to the neighborhood.
Just not too soon I hope.

(c) brt 03/26