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.