Where are the terms
And how do I come to them?

My father may never know my children
Then again I may never have them

My mother may never know my wife
Then again I may never marry

Am I ready to die?

This question
As I stare at the wall
Trying not to forget my breath

Not do I want to die?
A question that makes no sense

Death doesn’t care
About wanting
Or your children
Or your wife

Am I ready?
In each moment

Can I come to them?
The terms

That life
Without mercy
And little grace
Lays at the foot of the cradle

I choose
now
to grieve

Long before the hospital bed
Or the dinner I sit down to
The one where my life changes
Into the open circle

Am I ready?
Am I ready?
Am I ready?