We Live Twice

 Egyptians believed we died twice.

First, our bodies withered into dust

and nourished the spaces around us.  

Then, our spirits slipped away
when others stopped saying our names.

I believe we live twice. 

Once until our hearts stop.

And once until our memories are lost - 

not just our names, not just our legacies,

but the rooms of our loved ones' memory palaces

we reside in until oblivion.

When we are no longer remembered,

we are no more.

It may seem the same - 

living and dying with the grave

and your name.

But it isn't - 

it'll never be about how you die.

It's about your life,

and how you lived it.

May your second life

be immortal.