Counsel

How long do we rock in this cradle,
with baby's breath, warm sun,
the trees and dashing things
that kiss the eye,
lift the heart onto the breeze?

Why do I ask?
It is not long I shall hold you.
I do not fear the coming of darkness,
the closing of the eye,
the taking of the breath, or stillness.

I ask for counsel with Shiva,
to tell him of my sorrow,
to tell him thank you for waiting,
to trade my skin 
for the words to his bloody language, 
to ask to touch the body he holds
one last time.