14 Peaks

From the beginning 

we shake hands with death

At first as a stranger

when caught in its net

And last as a friend

bearing gifts from beyond

A bridge for one crossing

past futures begone 

While leaving behind

 the measure of fate

 Transcending tomorrow

  we unlock its gate

What’s last becomes first

closing open interred

a singular journey

—not shaken but stirred

(Watching 14 Peaks: December, 2021)