awww Charlie, this was sad and humorous all wrapped in one. Best line for me is "college, did that. didn't understand it, but i went." That's exactly how i feel right now. Fantastic little confession here. and hey screw death, buy a boat and cruise around the world :)

You are just entering "sunset" as I learned in yoga... and you know just how beautiful sunsets are Chaz! Enjoy.

It's all there Chazman, "the infancy of youth, the youth of manhood, the entire past of age." I count them as a day closer to heaven. Peace to you. Thanks.

Hey Charlie, at least you know what you've done and how well! I'm still trying to find my name tag. I think about it all the time, just as much as I think about life and what I can or can't to next.

Ya, what George said. I'd hate grade myself for my experiences, or lack thereof in some cases. Even when our bodies give up, though, I believe with my whole heart (not that it does anyone any good but me....lol) that we are not our bodies...we don't just stop existing. Of course, our interaction with those who are still earthbound becomes a bit more complicated, I guess. LOL! But even that can be accomplished if we find ourselves still so attached. It's not easy to imagine not being attached to everyone I love, in my death OR theirs. You're facing the whole subject with such amazing courage and honesty, I stand amazed. As always.

It is a journey and you are sharing yours' with us...thank you! It is hard to picture the ending of the physical body, but know your spirit and energy go on and on! Namaste MFS

nothing ever stays the same and the beauty is in the journey .. hope your journey is a marvelous adventure with much beauty...

Quite an introspective piece Charlie. Ah, you'll live to be a hundred. But as we age we do think of that inevitable journey to the other side. I'll see you there. As always, excellent work.

I wonder about farenhiet as well for I want to go out with a bang, fireworks that is, I read you can be cremeated and put into fireworks, now if that isn't a way to leave this world I do not know what is...my friends are constantly bewildered by my last rites requests of circus elephants, fireworks, poetry and songs....the message is clear, celebrate for nothing is final Charlie, it is the moment that counts. smh

You know, it is fascinating reading a few of the comments of your fellow poets and to see the effect you have on us, the depth of meaning you always convey - seemingly with such ease. The honesty in this one, as in much of your work, is touching to me. I especially liked your admission of your neophyteness - anyone who thinks he has it figured out is in for a rude awakening and probably sooner than later. You rock, Charlie.

All the more reason to do all the living while you breathe, a thought brought home to me by being at a younger friend's funeral just two months ago. Your description of the wake is, was, always will be eerily right on.

"kids that giggle, parents who shush them,
and me prostrate in finest silk, agrin.

Delightedly I found myself in your take of the forever wake...What a fantastic word picture drawing the kid in me to the surface. Who's to shush the parents, Chaz?!? And then to finish the whole contemplation off with the final bowing out of you considering a chill factor in the silk, so to speak.... Makes me consider writing a poem just for my kids in that all too likely event, to be completed upon my departure (ALL giggles allowed)... Love it Chaz!

Love this! I can rlate to so much of it (collsge, parenting, grandparenting) and growing older and questioning what comes next (if anything) There comes a time when one thinks about their own mortality and the legacy they leave. Thoughtful, honest write!