Open your hearts, my friends, 
And let yourself feel the reality of absence.
Open your hearts, and acknowledge 
That we gather in the presence of death.
Open your hearts. Make room
For the healing balm of connection,
the release of forgiveness.
No matter what pain dwells within your spirit,
Or how fragile the hope that struggles to be born,
There is a place for you here
In Life’s holy circle
Of compassion and love.