Poem #25
If I should die before I wake
I trust the universe to make
sound disposition of my remains
upon which humanity has no claim
I will go on in other form
though neither hot nor cold nor warm
this atom gives power without fail,
this molecule the core of a snail
shell; the light of my eyes extends
limitless until time’s end
Grief will soon fade, illusions, too
but memories of joy continue for you
In life I loved beyond compare
with my best friend I chose to share
a home, full measure of jollity,
and going ahead, a family…
offspring: two, and prospects for future
additions to the lineage so genes endure
My friends around me gathered
we laughed, and cried, we dared
to dream, to work, and play
we improved the world every day
Yes, grieve if you must in the way you see fit
But sorrow not for me: I have enjoyed my share, and that’s the gist.