No Lasting Impression

No Lasting Impression

Were I to die tomorrow,
what would be the difference?
A trifling matter no doubt,
a mere ripple in the waters
of space and time, scarcely noticed.
The single rain drop does
not effect the rivers flowing.
A small notch on the bark
of a tree grown tall disregarded;
no one remembers its purpose.
Bone and flesh to dust or ashes
filling less space than the living.
Memories cast aside for more
important present matters.
Pictures, images no longer valued;
lost in the last move and
not even noticed.
Footprints erased by blowing
winds without resistance,
nothing to stop the gentle dusting,
the covering as if no one
ever walked, made impressions.
In mere moments, nothing’s missing.
The earth goes on turning,
rivers flowing, trees growing.
No shadow of remembrance
falls across the path
of those still breathing.
Shades, hues, colors not faded;
no tinted difference.