Awaken, rise with the sun.

Inhale as if it’s your final breath—

exhale completely

with the roar of a lion

as the sun sets.

Membranes in your brain

will take time out in another realm.

Angels who know how

to wrap their mouths around

the word love, sink their teeth

into being compassionate volunteers.

If cells in lungs are full

of smoke, one breath is all

it takes to put the fire out.

Breathe with every

tweeting bird,

hug every swaying tree .

Swing your partner around

in a do-se- do

until your breath carries you home.

Don’t look back—don’t look ahead.

Make room for love.

Milton