GODSPEED, MILKWEED!

    I watched a milkweed seed struggle free of
its pod, pause to stretch out its silken strands, 
then set sail on the crest of a breeze,
shimmering in the brilliant morning sunlight. 
Soon another followed, then another and still
another, soaring off in search of just the right
spot to settle in, take root and begin growing
into the next stage of its life cycle.
    As I watched the last feathery seed hesitate
before leaving the security of its pod, then float
off in pursuit of the others, I found myself
wondering if it isn't a bit like this with our
human souls, at the end of this life.  We are all
reluctant to leave the familiar security of this
body and this world which have been home to
our souls for as long as we can remember.  But
one by one, our friends and loved ones go
sailing off to some unknown world, where their
souls will take root and grow a new form for
the next stage in their life journey.
    One day it will be our turn to break the
gossamer thread binding us to this world, and
launch into the cosmic winds which will carry
us on to our new home.  Godspeed, soul-seed!