Autumnal reflection

As I drop letters after my name, I feel strangely lighter.  My beloved and I joke about what it will look and sound like when only a breath mark remains.  I don't know what other couples talk about over breakfast, but this is one of our conversations.

As leaves fall,

Chill arrives,

It seems right

I continue the process

Of subtraction:

Certifications

After my name,

Recently acquired certifications,

Are the first to go.

The degrees were earned

And paid for,

They can stay

For now.

Soon enough

They too will go.

I imagine one autumn

My family name will dissolve

Letter by letter

Until only the name

God recognizes

Will remain.

Until finally

Even those letters will disappear

And

I am named

As breath in…

Breath out…

Then words

Will have done their duty.