The doctor said I haven’t much time to live.
I cried for I had so much more in life to give.
I walked the streets for hours lost in thought.
Fate it would seem had led me to this spot.

To a weathered old man with an understanding look.
Holding up a paper lantern he insisted that I took.
I clambered in my car and drove far into the night.
To leave behind these endless artificial city lights.

I found a pretty little spot that overlooked the sea.
It appeared to be the perfect place to rest and set it free.
I lit and released my paper lantern standing on my car.
The cool zephyr slowly hoisted it up amongst the stars.

I sat cross-legged on my hood and watched it float away.
Like this paper lantern, souls were meant to float away.

© B. D. Caissie