I'm Major Jackson and this is the slowdown.

And this is the slowdown. down.

Twice in my family, the absence of a will led to family squabbles after a relative's passing.

These disputes caused pain among people who otherwise would typically laugh it up during holidays, cheer beside each other for a favorite

team, or simply sit long into the evenings recalling shared memories and family lore.

In some instances, irreconcilable arguments of who gets what led to full on estrangement,

to years of brothers and sisters who stopped speaking all. and responsible and begin the process of creating a trust and establishing a will.

I thought it morbid at first, yet planning the aftermath of my death empowered me.

I authorized a set of steps.

I thought about poems I wanted recited at my memorial service.

I thought about songs, a collected and commemorative for the DJ to play.

I am not a controlled person, but I love the feeling of preparedness.

Going through the mental simulation of my celebration of life

made me appreciate my accomplishments.

It was like I had attended my own funeral.

I don't know when or where I will die.

So having some say in that eventful day for me feels like a lavish gift to myself.

Ever since, I have a greater purchase on my truth and live more in the unconscious present where I am more involved in my

family and community. The poet Cesar Vallejo wrote in a poem,

I will die in Paris on a rainy day.

On some day I can already remember.

Today's poem is modeled on the whimsical assurance and power of arguing your own departure from this earth.

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