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’m finally at peace
I no longer have to bear the weight of indecision and constant suffering.
On my fair shoulders
Punished like 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 long lost loved ones

When I leave this place don’t cry for 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 pieces of time like children sharing sweets; unconditionally
No one can take this away from us, not even Time itself.

Because those who have tasted my lips do not grieve for me
Or cause you trouble
For the company I intend to keep
It should be cherished in your breasts and produce joyful songs
Remember the times we shared together
The sweet words that were whispered in trust
Understand that my feelings for you have not diminished
Though my heart stops pumping crimson life force
It is still filled with 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 passing I am able to travel to all of these destinations and more.

May the east winds carry me to the Hill of Tara in my homeland
Where I can be with the Celtic kings of old, whose bodies have long since turned to dust
Yet 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 is finally back home.

Let the west winds carry me over plains and plateaus
So that I can enjoy all the beauty of Our Nation
I will watch the children who work in the fields
Comforting young mothers when patience is needed to steady her 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.
Did I get a chance to experience it?
Overgrown sheep, ancient conifers and pristine streams
He will guide me to the place where I could sit on top of a mountain.
Enjoying the Northern Lights
Remembering how every color that explodes in the sky
Like fireworks on the 4th of July
Used to fill my mind with wonder as a child

The warm southerly winds may carry me back to my birthplace
Stopping in Savannah for a while to take in the beauty.
Think about what might have been in different circumstances.
Gazing in amazement at the Spanish moss hanging from the tree branches
Like Garland at Christmas.

None need worry that they will be forgotten while I am on my journey.
I will think of you often and in a kind way.
Those of you that I leave behind
Please don’t feel abandoned.
You meant a lot to me; More than words can say.

to my sounds
I am happy that they have grown into such outstanding young people.
With bright futures ahead
And loving families to help bear the hurt of my death
I know you’ll get through this
I hope all your dreams come true
I’ll be there every time you close your eyes and say my name.
speak well of me to your children
so they know that their grandmother
love them forever

To my brother
You have been a part of my life for so long.
I could hardly think of a world without you
While we were discarded we stayed together
It has been an honor to watch you grow
Even though we’ve 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 move on without me
Don’t think for a moment that I didn’t love you
I will always hold you in the highest regards, dear brother.

For my friends,
It’s hard to see through someone else’s eyes.
To feel their pain and enjoy their joys
I was lucky to have people like you in my life.
That helped me in difficult times.
When I couldn’t take it anymore
My friends who could distract me from my problems
With a smile or a kind word
I will miss you all
I appreciate everything you’ve done for me

to D-
You came into my life when I needed you the most.
I wasn’t the nicest 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 didn’t judge but slow support
Please understand that I can finally be still
Although others may see it as selfish
Your selflessness 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 I miss you.

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’m finally at peace
smile and toast to me
Don’t think I’m taking all this lightly.
As Shaw once wrote
“Life doesn’t stop being funny when people die, just as it doesn’t stop being serious when people laugh”
So take the thought of me, each and every one, to that special place in your heart.
With a smile and a pint, tell me your stories so that the room is filled with joy and laughter.
Please know that I am finally free from worldly pain and feeling alone.
Please, everyone, say a prayer for me.
Mom, your girl is coming home.