The Definition of Love

“Are you at peace?”  
   
It’s not far-fetched of you to ask me  
in your prayers each night  
and thoughts each day  
   
The much-known concept of lives    
swallowed by the living each year  
   
Firstly, when we are physically birthed  
and slapped into breath;  
secondly, when we wake to purpose  
and life slaps us into a vessel    
for something greater than ourselves  
   
The lesser-known concept  
of two deaths is fully understood  
on this side of the veil    
   
Firstly, when our physical being  
relinquishes the ghost for ash;  
secondly, when our name passes  
between someone’s lips    
or thoughts for the very last time  
   
In the final moments of life  
silent oaths are made    
within the mind to somehow  
let loved ones know  
we are safe  
   
Yes, I am at peace  
   
Darkness has not swallowed me  
Each year, this resurrection    
this annual conjuring of presence    
makes itself known  
   
These cycles summon me by name  
the ofrenda and invocations  
of Dia de los Muertos    
keep my memory alive  
and guide me home  
   
Each moment my name is spoken  
a rebirth occurs  
from a history not forgotten  
   
So, mi amor  
peace isn’t the issue  
that's not what you want to know  
   
The issue is not knowing where I've gone  
wondering if the grave you’re lying on    
is a steppingstone of heaven  
or a stairwell into the dark  
   
It’s falling into the falsity    
that allows death to steal hope  
from a living soul    
   
Yes, I am at peace  
You have not let me die  
that second death  
   
And that . . .  
that is the definition of Love