She lost all interest in staying alive
When staying alive became
The sole purpose of living.
She wasn’t depressed, just curious,
And wondered why, without having
An object, reason, or goal,
Living should become meaningless.
Of course, she reasoned, meaning
Was only on the visible side of life,
The part of living that can be
Blind, mute, and paralyzed.
She looked forward to invisible living,
And smiled—the only movement she had.
Visiting family often wondered
At her perpetual sweet smile,
At her relaxed body, and
At the unexplained exaltation they felt
After they sat beside her a while.
Two cousins, who had played imaginary games with her,
Stopped by often and enjoyed talking
Back and forth across her bed, absorbing her Peace.
They asked her questions, and listened to her silent answers.
They understood—like when they were children—and that gave them comfort.
Before they left, they always kissed her on the mouth
And remembered that comforting smile.
