WHEN I DIE
when I die,
i don't want to see heaven or hell,
or purgatory's waiting room.
memories send postcards
so I won't forget heaven—
as the illusion
that vaporized
into the other two—
the mirage
that became quicksand below
or the tornado above.
why did life's itinerary
include these visits?
why did oblivion
get ditched from this list?
has anyone been to oblivion?
is it a place
where time forgot,
where pain and joy ceased to exist,
or where the cerebral hard drive crashed?
when i die,
will i know
if this is fact or fiction
or will the truth vaporize
when oxygen leaves my brain?
Patricia Carragon
June 2014