The celebration commenced

without event.

The party swirled around me

— like a square dance

around me–

as I stood

totally still

in the middle of the dance floor.

Totally still.

For here was life, dancing.

And I knew then

that life was…

still.

How can life swirl around…

just go on

as though all were well?

When a heart has stopped

and first breath

will never be.