Dying Is Fine Just Not Today
I have been the sun,
a star, a flame,
a song in the darkness.
I can’t be silenced by
the roar of the night as
it falls upon the earth.
On the ocean surf reflections,
of what I used to be. Yesterday,
I turned my fears into courage.
Today, I am nothing but stardust.
Dying is fine, just not today!
The moon sends me sailing
down a bloody stream, but
I am not afraid of dying.
I am going to live for today,
rejoice in the mystery.
If I could go back,
I would be the rain.
I’d be the sun. But I can’t,
so I write. I write these songs
for you, my friend:
Dying is fine, just not today.
I’m dying. Every day I live, I am dying.
Dying is fine, just not today.
The earth moves me! I am rained on!
Dying is fine! Just not today
—Omaira Falcon, The Bayou Fairy
Reflections on “Dying Is Fine Just Not Today
“Dying Is Fine, Just Not Today” reflects a contemplation of life and mortality, embracing the inevitability of death while asserting a desire to live fully in the present. The Bayou Fairy acknowledges her past experiences and transformations, expressing resilience and defiance against the encroaching darkness. Despite the awareness of mortality, there is a celebration of the mystery and beauty of existence. The repeated refrain emphasizes the acceptance of dying as a natural part of life, but with a resolute focus on living vibrantly today.
The poem and song encapsulate a journey of self-reflection and affirmation. The Bayou Fairy evokes powerful imagery, claiming identities like the sun and a song, symbolizing vitality in the face of darkness. As she looks back on her past, she transform fears into courage, embracing the transient nature of existence. The mantra "Dying is fine, just not today!" emphasizes a commitment to savoring each moment, despite the awareness of mortality. This celebration of life contrasts with the inevitability of death, highlighting a vibrant spirit that insists on living fully.
This duality of existence creates a poignant tension throughout the poem/song. The Bayou Fairy’s metaphors, such as being "stardust" and "the rain," connect them to the universe and nature's cycles, fostering a sense of unity with all living things. Writing becomes an act of defiance against time, allowing her to immortalize their experiences and emotions. Ultimately, the poem and song invites readers and listeners to reflect on their own lives, encouraging them to cherish the present while accepting the inevitability of change and loss.
I dedicate this song to my friends who knew how to live in the moment and had the capacity to bear success and failure, joy and misery, defeat and victory with perfect equanimity:
I wrote this song to remind me to embrace each moment while acknowledging the inevitability of death. You taught me how to celebrate life's beauty and draw strength from my past experiences. Though you are no longer with me in flesh, your vibrant spirit inspires resilience and courage in those of us who remain.
The song's imagery evokes the warmth of the sun you have brought into my life. Your ability to find light even in darkness embodies the mantra, "Dying is fine, just not today!" This encourages me to cherish the love and laughter we shared.
As I navigate the pain of your absence, this songs symbolizes a deep connection to you and our memories. Writing and singing these words honors your legacy and celebrates the life you lived so fully. Though you are gone, your spirit will always inspire me to live vibrantly and embrace each day.
—Omaira Falcon, The Bayou Fairy