What Will They Say When You Die?

This week I lost a fellow classmate and wonderful friend. It was unexpected and caught all of his friends by surprise. I am left speechless without enough words to say how much he meant to me. It has caused me to ponder my own obituary. What would it mean? What would the words really say? I ended up writing this short poem and it is without revision so it is still rough.

I was born, I lived, and I died
obituary for the whisper of my life.
How many breath formed words will survive
this common life that existed inside

dreams of being a hero
someone of respect
someone of character
someone of recognition

I learned to walk
I learned to run
I learned to jump
but no one taught me how to fall

While some things appeared true
there was much that felt like a lie
what is important? becomes a cruel question,
justification no longer works to
purge my guilty soul

I could have loved so much better
I could have forgiven so much sooner
I could have reached out with kindness
extended my hand in acceptance

I became emotionally deaf and dumb
blinded and gagged by fear
I withdrew inside and sought shelter
in the safety of my rhealm
the kindom of my imagination

A place of victory over darkness
the celebration of the light
with laughter and merryment
of song and dance

Say nothing of me when I pass
only play a merry and happy tune
hold hands and dance
look across the circle and smile
for we will meet again in a while

Well, I suppose my wife will say "finally". I won't be missed for long, maybe once or twice a year someone will remember me. Soon, after I have disappeared from everyone's mind, I will die. Nobody will remember me. Maybe something I have said will go on for longer, but I am not a well known person in the world. Not one that people will tell their kids about. We die and are forgotten like we never existed.

reply to post by rickymouse


I too find humor in my ruminations on my demise. I definitely know my cat Hobbs will miss me. Only time will tell how much we have impacted this world. We may all be like George in "It's a Wonderful Life" I know I love poetry because my grandfather introduced me to it as a young child.

You are known on here on ATS!

Who?

They'll say "damn, that crazy old bird really was right about _________________."

I am so sorry you lost a dear friend. I loved what you wrote.

I'm sure that we have all at one time or another made an impact on someone's life and will be mourned and missed.

This man liked the Royals and pork-rinds.

81' Honda Civic, gray, 5spd, $300.00

grayeagle
reply to post by rickymouse

 

I too find humor in my ruminations on my demise. I definitely know my cat Hobbs will miss me. Only time will tell how much we have impacted this world. We may all be like George in "It's a Wonderful Life" I know I love poetry because my grandfather introduced me to it as a young child.

You are known on here on ATS!

Maybe Rickymouse may be remembered

"All the riffs have been played"

Olaru12 has been banned!!!

Every time I pass a church I stop and pay a visit.
So when I'm carried in feet first God won't say "Who is it?"

My obit will be generic. Wife of mother of nee blank services at wherever.
Who am I. When my family's gone there won't be any memories of me left. Oh well. I didn't want to be noticed anyway.

That was really lovely.
My condolenses for your friend. I think it is harder for the ones left behind, then the ones who are moving on to that "other place".
My (almost 6 yr old) son asked me today, "What is heaven?" How do you answer that, especially if you are not into organized religion? I did the best I could and it felt true.
Here is what I told him...In heaven, you feel no pain, you are not ever hungry or thirsty, hot or cold. Every moment is like when you can't stop laughing and your heart is so full it could burst. You are perfectly perfect and so happy that you squeal with joy. You have no wants or needs, but anything beautiful that you can imagine, you can create. Oh, and you won't be alone, because everyone who ever loved you will be there too.
He looked at me funny, and was confused about never being hungry (he is a boy and growing and always hungry) and I just told him that I think you don't need your body any more when you die. Your spirit and who you are will always be, because we are energy and energy never goes away.
So, OP, back to you...It is hard for us when our friends die, but they are not really gone.
Hugs! Carla

reply to post by frayedknot


I agree with you. I believe you did a really good job explaining what heaven will be like. Even though Christ was dead he still ate and enjoyed a meal with his disciples it will just be we no longer have to eat to stay alive. Thank you for your condolences.

reply to post by grayeagle


I loved it.

60 some years from now..

Wow! That old dude sure knew how to party.

reply to post by grayeagle


Sorry to hear about your friend. I loved what you wrote. And i for one would miss you . And you will be surprised how many people would in such an event.

So they finally caught him.

I will go and none shall even notice that I have gone
I am the feather that the wind has brought to your sight
You will not see me for what I am or once was
Because I make no difference to your life

reply to post by Thurisaz

I incorporate feathers in my art with every piece. I do the same with every life I meet human or nonhuman. I believe all of life impacts me and not just for the moment but they create memories that allow me to see the beauty in this world. Peace