Looking back on death

There was a path that led winding amongst tall dark oaks
It was carpetted with fallen leaves and vegetation's growth
It led nowhere in particular but meandered about aimless
Unexpected vistas opened up around corners quite priceless

Music was created by a rogue current of wind as a whistle
And trees shook their verdant tops unwilling to be still
Creaking trunks and branches added their part to the chorus
And in all it was a grand symphony, nature's blissful focus

An eagle roamed the sky gliding about on currents unseen
Tracking a small prey on the ground with vision extreme
A snake slithered by quite invisible in the undergrowth
Beautiful in appearance, deadly venom ready to spout

The eagle dived down like an arrow targetting field mice
Reptile slithered like coiled silk aiming for same prize
Winged predator reached his prey with an instant to spare
Disappointed snake recoiled and slipped back to his lair

I watched this drama unfold in the winter of my life
My home was a tall tree that sheltered me from strife
My obligations were done and I had retired to a forest
All pain had ceased along with joy, soul finally at rest

I had dived down into my heart and stripped it off its veils
Grace flowed from within its joyful source without any cease
I now experienced the soul that I possessed before my birth
And felt the extraordinary peace that came right after my death