What Matters

I wonder what's synonymous

With someone who's anonymous?

It may not mean it's cowardice

To always speak unknown.

I don't believe Anonymous

Is trying to be ominous,

But, rather, just autonomous.

I'm sad he's so alone.

What a waste for those who act anonymously

To only be appreciated posthumously...(if ever).

Anonymous's comment on the Tao of Willie post reflects a lot of people's thoughts about their lifespan. I never understand this point of view! What is so damn wrong with living as long as possible?

Chris and I have been talking about this recently, because she hears the same thing a lot...and that is people saying "Oh, I don't want to live that long." Say what?

Sure, there are circumstances under which you would not choose to live, but surely growing old in a regular, relatively healthy life can't be one of them. Neither can having another shot at life, if it were possible.

I think Anonymous is poking me here by taking the opposite tack of my first post, and sometimes I jump when poked. In this case, his sentiments are relevant because they seem strangely prevalent.

People who believe in God think they're going to live forever. People who believe in reincarnation think they're going to live forever. Not in the same form or in the same place, but forever nonetheless.

People who believe when you die, you just die and are gone are wrong, too. The second after you die, life goes on. Maybe not within you, but certainly without you. And the matter that was your body becomes a different matter — and none of that matters! Ashes to ashes, fun to funky, we are stardust.

I'll paraphrase Willie: Fortunately, we're not in control. And his hope for life: If it happened once, it could happen again.

Nobody really knows. All we know for sure is this: We are alive in this moment. And that does matter.