No one gets to pick

We find ourselves
here. Every person
of any pigment gender
or stripe discovers
themselves here, now.
It’s always a surprise.
No one chooses the timing
or circumstances of their arrival
and by the time you meet them
every person’s path is pockmarked
with difficulties you can’t imagine
and yes there’s love and music--
and loss. This is everybody.
Please, remember we are all
surprised. Please, remember this
when your path crosses another’s.
They didn’t get to pick
any more than you did
and chances are you
are one of the lucky ones.
​