Afternoon

When I was about to die

my body lit up

like when I leave my house

without my wallet.

What am I missing?

I ask

patting my chest

pocket.

and I am missing everything living

that won't come with me

into this sunny afternoon

-my body lights up for life

like all the wishes being granted in a fountain

at the same instant-

all the coins burning the fountain dry-

and I give my breath

to a small bird-shaped pipe.

In the distance, behind several voices

haggling, I hear a sound like heads

clicking together. Like a game of pool,

played with people by machines.