For Gus, Rex, and Linda

I’ve come to learn –
through experience
and others –
that death marks our time
here in this
time and place.
Death is like
a turning over
to a scene where we
are no longer held by the
concept of time.

Our loved one is now
both there and
everywhere.

Like glitter
bursting forth,
illuminating
even the dullest of things.
There, the ones
we have loved
as part of our very being,
sparkle on.

They’re in the next time
we open a new book
and are hit with the
scent of fresh pages.
In the way the
setting sun shines
between the low hanging branches.
The ladybug
you accidentally wear inside.

They are here.
They are there.
They are everywhere.

Sprinkled throughout,
forever.