We cross the abyss: grief's undertow sweeps my footing away. All I can do is gaze, wondering at the shape of the path behind us I will not walk with the golden rays Dogging my footsteps. What lies beyond this desert of being? I cannot know. But, oh! My eyes, to see new skin's glory, my ears, to hear the cries. My tongue, to taste: blood, sweat & tears. My soul, to bless, to hope. Carry forward my prayer in the sacred light as I lie still, as the last stragglers depart.