In Celebration Of

My Death

Prologue:

I looked for one among the church clergy

To whom I’d trust my final eulogy.

And though I often found men staunch and true ,

Not one was found to speak my point of view.

Truth tenders, much like gold, a legacy

And no man knows the way I feel and see.

They prate and praise or vilify men’s deeds,

According to prefabricated creeds.

It seemed that only I could e’er reveal

The truth about the things I think and feel.

And with this thought an idea came to me.

I should declare my own last eulogy.

Funeral are for the living not the dead.

Men choose their speeches as they feel they’re led.

And since I have no inkling how I’ll end,

Whom I’ll outlive, or who’s left to attend;

I’ll tailor-make a funeral of my own

And have it now for those who’ll truly mourn.

So, with this explanation at an end,

Here’s what I’d say and here’s how I’d begin.

Part One:

First come the songs; I’ve chosen but a few.

No mournful hymns, which break men’s souls into,

My songs are sung to heal the broken parts.

I sing you joy; words truly from my heart.

I choose those songs you’ll wish to play again

After the bitter sweetness comes to end.

And know, each song I sing, carries words true .

I’ve never known heroes greater than you.

No need to explain now; we’ve talked before.

We’ve listened to Bette Medler sing the score.

When things seem bad, just play the song again

And visualize me singing the refrain.

And trust me for the promises I’ve made

I’ll guard you as an angel from the grave.

Walk through the clouds and keep your chin up high

Knowing I’m looking downward from the sky.

You’ll overcome each fear and find a way;

You’ll turn the darkness into light of day.

And as you travel on my spirit sings,

You know, “You are the wind beneath my wings.”

Part Two:

Now turning to the folks who’ve gathered here,

I’ll speak to you of death and life held dear.

And if I were before you on this day,

The following is what you’d hear me say:

“To all who’ve gathered at this tolling bell

To send my soul to heaven or to hell,

Please know that I depart this earth with glee

And bid me ‘fond adieu’ as I do thee.

“Some mourn my death; others  my life much more.

Some revel at the thought my life is o’er.

I know you all, and some I know quite well.

To each of you these parting words I tell.

“Neither in life nor death I’d have you mourn,

They both need be and neither stands alone.

If you must mourn, mourn for yourselves I pray.

But pour my wine and drink my toast today.

“Let’s celebrate the life I leave behind.

Let’s celebrate the life that now is mine.

Come celebrate my death with joy and feast.

Come celebrate the slaying of the beast.

“I only know what I’m about to be

Is as true for you as ever ‘twas for me.

With joy, the Phoenix arises once again!

Come celebrate the ashes that remain.”

Part Three:

To all the little children gathered here:

Don’t let my death allow your hearts to fear.

My casket’s but a worm’s silky cocoon,

From which a butterfly emerges soon.

Like a monarch I’ll soar, then fly away,

Find places I must travel to today.

And all your love I carry in my heart

Will lift my wings while we are worlds apart.

Those precious, tender tears you shed for me

Shine bright, like stars, up here from where I see.

Fear neither death nor life from this day on.

Death is the door to new life that goes on.

Final:

Some folks who serve no god at all are here.

I honor those great men who challenge fear.

Know this, to me these are no less than they,

Who live in temples, or who daily pray.

Theology has never saved a soul.

Mere creeds of men cannot make grace unfold.

The teachers have this lesson yet to learn,

They’d have men’s souls, who disagree, to burn.

Let's celebrate the life I leave behind.

Let's celebrate the life that now is mine.

Come celebrate my death with joy and feast.

Come celebrate the slaying of the beast.