I do fear.
I do fear.
I fear being forgotten
for having been absent
for having left without impression.
I fear becoming misremembered
as being something I did not intend to be
as being someone better left a memory.
I fear losing sight
of those familiar, callused hands
of that tender, heartening touch
of the reminiscent, cool embrace.
I fear presenting nothing
to those I mean with help provide.
What else is there to fear?
What would teach me gratitude
for this brief existence?
What would guide me in my practice,
align me to my core?
What would impart in me the value of those connections?
What would give purpose to the burdens?
So I will fear.