One Shot

Sometimes it takes
funerals and surgeries
to remind us
that we are not simply
co-workers and clients,
bosses and hires,
employees and employers,
customers and providers.
We are not corporate machines,
lifeless clones or drones
devoid of hearts and hopes and homes.
We are
sons and daughters,
sisters and brothers,
mothers and fathers,
husbands and wives,
partners and friends,
guardians and grandparents.
We are humans
each with one shot
at this brief
and precious life.