MY EPITAPH
ABSTRACT:This is a pair of sonnets that serve to provide
the thoughts that seem to me to be appropriate as my epitaph.
My Epitaph
When at last I lay my head to rest
And let my body be consigned to fire,
What are the thoughts I wish then to inspire
In those who think that they have known me best?
An epitaph is what I now do seek -
Not words but acts and ideas I would claim
As representing any trace of fame
To those remaining loud and clear to speak.
Two children ‘got, two others have I known,
Who may, perhaps, more fully than have I
Give to the world some insight, some new sense
Of what this life may mean. The seeds I’ve sown
Are mixed, eclectic, and, indeed, must vie
With others of much more pre-eminence.
Yet what, then, can I claim as good deeds done?
What happy circumstances did I make?
What areas of existence should I stake
As showing evidence of kudos won?
The driving rule propelling me through life
Was helping those whose paths with mine did cross
To accept life with joy; to bear each loss;
To celebrate each win; to expel strife.
If those who knew me can in conscience say
That their own roads were tramped more easily,
And that their happiness was thus increased
Because of having had some interplay
With me. then I can voyage peacefully
To where we all must go once life has ceased.
If you have any comments or questions about this, please do not hesitate to
contact me.
(c) 1995 dbonyun@earthling.net
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