Existence

In the corner of an oak-paneled conservatory, there was an antique lamp with a tilted shade

From which two incandescent bulbs illuminated the room with lemon chiffon grace

Offering the gift of conversation to strangers newly met

In an abandoned warehouse in Brentwood, northeast of NoMa,

Crews transformed unutilized industrial space into a theater of modern warfare

Through which the ancient bard still spake enduring truths of human drama

On a gray Monday in a grade-two listed chapel in your hometown Maidstone,

I wore your thin black tie on a crisp white shirt to your inevitable funeral

As the celebrant recounted the stories that made up your life

Why are we here, the director asked,

Why are we here, if not to explore

The tugs and passions that form

The dense forest that comprises our hearts