When I leave this place don’t cry for me
Or to think that there was something that could have been done
To extend my time in this vessel
Instead, one should focus on rejoicing
I am finally at peace
I no longer have to bear the weight of indecision and constant suffering
On my beautiful shoulders
Punished as Atlas for choosing the wrong side in a fierce war fought long ago
My war is finally over
Uranus and Gaia can finally continue their primordial embrace.
As I do now with my long-lost loved ones
When I leave this place do not cry to 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 moments like children sharing sweets; unconditionally
No one can take this away from us, not even Time itself.
For those who have tasted my lips do not regret me
Or cause you discomfort
For the company that I chose to keep
It should be loved on her breasts and produce upbeat songs
Remember the times we shared together
The sweet words that were whispered in confidence.
Understand that my feelings for you have not diminished
Even though my heart stops pumping crimson life force
It is still full of 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 that I did not have the means to see
With my step I can travel to all these destinations and more.
Let the easterly winds carry me to the Hill of Tara in my homeland
Where can I be with the Celtic kings of yore, whose bodies have long since turned to dust
However, their voices can be heard echoing through the cool afternoon breeze.
On the day of Samhain
Let me dance with the druids and participate in the festivals of my ancestors
This part of me has finally come home.
Let the westerly winds carry me across plains and scenery
So you 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.
I had a chance to experience it
Overgrown sheep, old conifers and virgin streams
Will lead me to the place where I could sit on top of a mountain
Enjoying the Aurora Borealis
Remembering how every color that explodes in the sky
Like fireworks on the 4th of July
Used to fill my mind with wonder when I was a kid
The warm winds from the south can carry me back to my birthplace.
Stopping in Savannah for a while to enjoy the beauty
Think about what it might have been in different circumstances.
Looking in awe at the Spanish moss that hangs from the tree branches
Like Garland at Christmas.
No one should worry about them being forgotten while I’m on my trip.
I will think of you often and in a kind way
The ones that I leave behind
Please don’t feel abandoned
You meant a lot to me; More than words can say.
To my children
I am happy that they have grown up to be such outstanding young people.
With bright futures ahead of you
And loving families to help bear the pain of my passing
I know you will get over this
I hope all your dreams come true
I’ll be there every time you close your eyes and speak my name.
Speak well of me to your children
So they know that their grandmother
Loves them eternally
To my brother
You’ve been a part of my life for so long
I could hardly think of a world without you
As they discarded us, we stayed together
It has been an honor to see you grow
Although we have both made mistakes in life
I know that in time you will come to understand
This painful decision of mine
It’s time for you to continue 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 is difficult to see through someone else’s eyes.
To feel its pain and enjoy its joys
I was lucky to have people like you in my life.
That helped me through hard times
When I couldn’t take it anymore
My friends who could take my mind off my woes
With a smile or a kind word
I will miss you all
I appreciate everything you have done for me
For D-
You came into my life when I needed you the most
I wasn’t the kindest 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 you supported
Please understand that I can finally stand still
Although others may see it as selfish
Your disinterest 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 you are missed.
When I leave this place don’t cry for me
Or to think that there was something that could have been done
To extend my time in this vessel
Instead, one should focus on rejoicing
I am finally at peace
Smile and toast me
Don’t think I’m taking all of this lightly
As Shaw once scribbled
“Life doesn’t stop being fun when people die more than it stops being serious when people laugh.”
So take the thought of me, each and everyone, to that special place in your heart
With a smile and a pint, tell your stories of me so that the room is filled with joy and laughter.
Please know that I am finally free from worldly pain and lonely.
Please, everyone, say a prayer for me.
Mom, your girl is coming home.