A poem for my late friend Kim Bautista. May he rest in peace and find enlightenment.

No one ever really dies...

How strange of a feeling it is to know that we will meet again?

At a park where you're sleeping under a tree, waiting for your moment to feel enlightenment. Feeling the vibrations of the earth you feel whole, grounded, and at peace. Perhaps this is where we will meet again my friend. While the grass whispers and eases our problems, and the ants see us a benevolent beings- we spare, because we are kind. As the hounds chase each others in circles, we observe. White Throated Sparrows sing, and we harmonize. The itch of picnic blankets, and the taste of old jelly sandwiches- inconveniences that seem so speckled nowadays. What a strange feeling it is to know that we will meet again, because no one ever really dies.

Maybe it'll be when I'm driving. Calmly helping me get off first gear, hitting the perfect launch to go over the speed limit- we feel free. The way the wind hits our skin is silk on a marble. Every roar of the engine giving us a reason to keep going. Streetlights giving us the impression of angels guiding us to our destination, carefully watching over us as we break speed barriers that are merely a suggestion in our eyes. At the light we stop. We feel ourselves in a state of neutrality- what a strange feeling it is to know that we will meet again, because no one ever really dies.

In worlds that we are kings you shall remain forever. Virtually infinite your work is permanent. Unforgotten to the rocks you've cultivated. The future will not forget someone as brilliant as you. My teacher in many ways you were talented from the beginning. Kind and patient every time I made a mistake. Your soul knows no bounds as you are accepted in every reality, in every universe, and even fantasies. What a strange feeling it is to know that we will meet again, because no one ever really dies.

On a boat we cross the lakes that look like oceans. The light glistens the water that flows in a way where they feel alive. You put your hand out for a spirit to guide us into the unknown- it has deemed you worthy. The spirit of the lake has seen your humility and intellectuality, but most importantly your empathy. They bring us to another realm where we can see the future. You have accepted that you have departed, but we haven't. You see me look for your soul as the Godfather of my firstborn- but you are not there. I plead to the spirits to change your fate, your destiny- I was denied. It then shows us another glimpse into the future- I am old. Sitting by the porch of a cabin I rock my chair. I wait, and wait, and wait, but you never show. The spirit shows us one last thing. The product of your kindness. The guidance you have given to your siblings blooms in a garden of zen. Friends passing down your legacy to the generation of tomorrow. Legends from the places you have touched will forever be part of their histories. So I plead to the spirits to save you, but you say to me "I am already saved, for God has accepted me". What a strange feeling it is to know that we will meet again, because no one ever really dies.

Finally I have accepted. Though you are no longer in the same plane of my consciousness, you are still here. As long as we tell your stories, your legacy, your kindness- you will live forever. Whether we meet again in the middle of a forest, or at a supermarket parking lot- my friend, I still mourn. For we have not spent enough time on the realm we call earth. But I cannot change destiny nor fate. Therefore I will keep you alive by ensuring your stories are told. What a wonderful person you were in this plane of existence. I know we will meet again my brother, because no one ever really dies.

For your soul be departed and may God guide you to the afterlife- Your soul will leave, but Kim will stay.