Beautiful, calm sunset,
The sun just sinking into the ocean
As people gather at water’s edge;
My canoe rests on sand near fish nets.
A breeze slides lithely across the sea,
Making ripples in the water
As I lay in the center of my boat
All adorned with scented flowers and palm leaves.
 

I watch from a distance in wonderment….
 

As my body is coated in fragrant oils
And fiery torches are placed all around me.
Then friends push my resting pyre into the water
And I float towards the setting sun.
Darkness engulfs the shore
Until onlookers light candles and raise them to the sky.
I float out to sea until I am only a shadow
On the horizon----peace has found me at last.