The Five Siblings Live Out Their Destinies

The oldest, outdoorswoman, anthropologist,
kayaks north and west
further and further back in time
until somewhere near Kamchatka
she falls off the edge of the world.

The next, a constant teacher, parent,
breaks his neck, thrown out of a sled
pulled by a horde of screaming 6-year-olds.

The third, an artist, gardener,
is never found, only her empty clothes
and all the empty frames of her paintings
which bees are still exploring, having already
taken everything to make honey in their hives.

The fourth, businessman, gamer,
winning big at poker,
is shot while dealing.

The youngest…
must survive, survive,
still searching for an appropriate demise.
 
Robin Helweg-Larsen

If you have any thoughts on this poem,  Robin Helweg-Larsen would be pleased to hear them.