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Like Each Is Your Last

written by: Hemmingplay

@hemmingplay

"I just want to see how long the string is. This never gets old. It gets more interesting, actually." -- Keith Richards, Rolling Stones

Each day is here then gone, a brief chance to

roll the salt and savor of it on the tongue, to enjoy

each passing smile and twinkling eye and lovely curve,

reminding me I am still alive.

Teaching me why, in the now.

Each sunset red on the world,

a hint at what becomes of us all.

Each day at 5 a.m. when the birds

wake and start yapping at each other

about territory and nests, about the

thrill of rising air under their wings,

the taste of freedom in the climb closer to God.

Each dawn when the sun

comes up like thunder

to set the edge of the

world on fire, and my mind.

Each night, the deep comfort from my love's hand,

slid under my clothes to rest warm on my waist,

and the times she does more,

or I do (which is none of your business).

It is so common to hear someone say,

"live like this is your last day".

That's harder than it sounds,

especially when you're young.

And when you're old, it's all too real,

but it is still hard to

change the dumb habits

of a lifetime of mostly mindless routines,

of buying into the herd's opinion

and preference for bland ignorance,

and migrating out of habit toward

a dreamlike future, always

scheming, fearing, guessing,

hoping you don't die

in the swift waters of the rivers

the dumb herd seems to feel it

must cross.

Then, after years of this,

you must pretend you're not surprised

when everything turns out differently,

when few things actually work as planned.

When you get to a certain point, this happens.

At first, you make up stories about

a life of heroic triumphs, never

talking about more numerous failures.

Then, you will look around, and back, and

laugh at the absurdity of

a young fool who had it

all figured out.

That's when it's good to

pull a love close and

fall asleep under the comfort

of the touch of someone who

knows you, and likes the feel

of your skin.