IF I DIE or YOU DIE TOMORROW

If I die or you die tomorrow

 

 

If I die or you die tomorrow no one will know

if the windows of heaven or of hades will be opened,

nor whether the balance will be positive, balanced or negative.

The judgment of others will be an enigma out of our hands.

Nothing matters if I die or you die tomorrow,

from enthusiasm for new algorithms or plans from the past.

But let them know that you and I have celebrated life

in my or your melancholic, cheerful or stubborn way.

 

Let them know that I and you have loved trees, flowers,

Dogs and cats, sheep and llamas to the little ones

those creatures that populate this planet

even the woodpecker that pierces trees and bricks

and mice and worms, not forgetting lizards

that cross your land during the intense summer days.

 

 

Let it be known that I have you and have suffered injustices

and the abominations inscribed on me 

and your bones as in the temples.

I forgive them and you forgive them for not 

avoiding them that damage to their soul.

 

Remind them about staying up in the middle of the nights

you and me have contemplated stars and fireflies

and that I and you have spoken to them as lovers.

I ran and you ran through the streets and avenues of this world

to fulfill our obligations and we achieved it.

 

I helped and you tried to help your neighbor

that he was sick, or that he was in prison and homeless

even if we have not always been successful.

 

I and you have not cried over failed loved ones

or losses of goods or investments, but bitterly,

I and you have cried for not being able to be good anymore.

Yes, we cried as the summer rain cries,

for not providing more inspired freshness.

 

I was wrong and you were wrong: we defended the rules 

More that those who need compassion

You and I got angrier than we should have

severe I went and you went with the others

and less with than with me and with you

let them know that I have always searched, and you have 

searched for peace and harmony, whenever you might loss

of foreign and benign beings that you have deplored.

 

Let them know they loved you and me

more than expected and whether my heart or yours

takes something from this world it is gratitude

for having set foot on this earth with the devotion of the blessed.

 

Maybe I didn't realize or you didn't realize

of the sacredness of the sea, of the rivers

of stones, of forests, of animals, fish

and winged beings. All that

whom primitive tribes worshiped with reverence. Perhaps

those beings were not so ignorant or so banal

without much technique they possessed that wisdom

background of the universe.

The wisdom that is called upon when all is lost.

I know because I have and you have had needs

to return to drinking from the original sources.

 

If there is something I can and you can leave

 it is a memory that the universe can sing order or chaos, 

but it sings, sings and sings 

for those who know how to listen to that symphony

without prejudice to other kingdoms. It was pure bliss 

to be able to pass between autumns and springs

without neglecting winters and summers.

 

It was right to avoid evil, do good, and also love

the ugly, since loving is what matters, for a meaning

beyond what we discern.

 

If I die or you die tomorrow know that it is possible repent

of glories and punishments of memories and forgetfulness

even of all the events that occurred, but never

never of sunny days, those open to life, those

complete with joy, those who compensate for all

horrors and errors. In the end, if I die or you die tomorrow

Know this: be happy and laugh today

It is an effort always worthwhile!

Pietro

©Pietro Grieco