Preparing the Final Bed

We build or rent homes And buy beds and linen and pillows and more That we may sleep well at night As we dream and perhaps, snore. Each night we make our beds That our sleep be comfortable and deep And all this we do each day To get a pleasant and good night’s sleep. But this dream we call life will end one day And we’ll sleep longer than we’ve so far done Yet we are so woefully prepared for that As if our life will never see a setting sun. And how must we prepare if prepare we must Is there a school or teacher who teaches this? When schools could not prepare us for how to live It’s not a surprise death’s been given a total miss. Death is not something we talk about And it’s not considered a pleasant thing But how long will the bird of life fly How long before it must fold its wings. When a day is lived as if it’s our last And moments spent in fearless ways It’s a sign that one has prepared himself And is ready for the last of his days. And when death comes if one smiles and goes, His mind open to the great vastness out there The departee’s work will be truly done And he’ll be going fully prepared. - rajyogi (Rajesh Kanoi)