When I leave this place don’t cry for me
Or think there was something that could have been done
To extend my time in this vessel
Instead, one should focus on rejoicing
I’m finally at peace
I no longer have to bear the weight of indecision and constant suffering.
On my fair shoulders
Punished as Atlas for choosing the wrong side in a fierce war waged long ago
My war is finally over.
Uranus and Gaia can finally continue their primordial embrace
As I do now with long lost loved ones
When I leave this place don’t cry for me
Those of you who are still here shedding tears because I have left you
‘Cause I haven’t gone anywhere
I reside in their hearts with every memory of days gone by
Sharing bits of time like children sharing sweets; unconditionally
No one can take this away from us, not even Time itself.
Because those who have tasted my lips do not feel sorry for me
Or cause you inconvenience,
For the company I intend to keep
It should be cherished at your breasts and produce happy songs
Remember the times we shared together
The sweet words that were whispered in trust
Understand that my feelings for you have not diminished
Though my heart stops pumping crimson life force
It is still filled with the love I have for you.
Take my body and place it on a magnificent pyre
Turn it on so that the wind takes me to the four corners of the globe
In life there were many places I didn’t have the means to see
With my passing I can travel to all these destinations and more.
May the east winds carry me to the Hill of Tara in my homeland
Where I can be with the Celtic kings of old, whose bodies have long since turned to dust
However, their voices can be heard echoing through the cool evening breeze.
On the day of Samhain
Let me dance with the druids and participate in the festivals of my ancestors.
This part of me is finally back home.
Let the west winds carry me over plains and plateaus
So that I can enjoy all the beauty of Our Nation
I will watch over the children who work in the fields
Comfort young mothers when patience is needed to steady their hand
And enjoy the summer son of South Beach to spend time with an old friend
The icy north winds will carry me to snowy regions
So you can see how a simpler life could have been achieved.
Did I get a chance to experience it?
Overgrown sheep, ancient conifers and pristine streams
It will guide me to the place where I could sit on top of a mountain.
Enjoying the Northern Lights
Remembering how every color that bursts in the sky
Like fireworks on the 4th of July
Used to fill my mind with wonder as a child
The warm southerly winds may carry me back to my birthplace
Stopping in Savannah for a while to enjoy the beauty.
Think about what could have been in different circumstances.
Staring in amazement at the Spanish moss hanging from the tree branches
Like Garland at Christmas.
None need worry that they will be forgotten while I am on my journey.
I will think of you often and kindly.
Those of you I leave behind
Please don’t feel abandoned.
You meant a lot to me; More than words can say.
to my sounds
I am happy that they have grown up and become such outstanding young men.
With bright futures ahead
And loving families to help bear the grievance of my death
I know you’ll get through this
I hope all your dreams come true
I’ll be there every time you close your eyes and say my name.
Speak well of me to your children
so that they know that their grandmother
love them eternally
To my brother
You have been a part of my life for so long.
I could hardly think of a world without you
While we were discarded we stayed together
It has been an honor to see you grow
Though we’ve both made mistakes in life
I know in time you’ll come to understand
This painful decision of mine
It’s time for you to go on without me
Don’t think for a moment that I didn’t love you
I will always hold you in the highest respect, dear brother.
For my friends,
It’s hard to see through someone else’s eyes.
To feel your pain and enjoy your joys
I was lucky to have people like you in my life.
That helped me in difficult times.
When I couldn’t take it anymore
My friends who could distract me from my problems
With a smile or a kind word
I will miss you all
I appreciate everything you’ve done for me
to D-
You came into my life when I needed you most
I wasn’t the nicest to you, but you accepted me for me.
You gave yourself more than anyone I’ve ever met
I’m sorry I wasted it all.
I should have appreciated you more.
You are the one who understood me intimately
Why have I chosen this path?
You did not judge, but slow support
Please understand that I can finally be still
Although others may see it as selfish
Your selflessness in this matter has proven invaluable.
In the last rays of the late summer sun
Watch out for the water to the east
There, in the growing twilight, you will see me and know that I miss you.
When I leave this place don’t cry for me
Or think there was something that could have been done
To extend my time in this vessel
Instead, one should focus on rejoicing
I’m finally at peace
smile and toast to me
Don’t think I’m taking all this lightly.
As Shaw once wrote
“Life doesn’t stop being funny when people die, just as it doesn’t stop being serious when people laugh”
So carry the thought of me, each and every one, to that special place in your heart.
With a smile and a pint, tell me your stories to fill the room with joy and laughter.
Please know that I am finally free from worldly pain and feeling alone.
Please, everyone, say a prayer for me.
Mom, your girl is coming home.