A Postmortem Guide

-for my eulogist, in advance

                                  -after Stephen Dunn

Tell them I was human. 

That I lived a life I loved.

And despite my selfish complaints,

I never truly wished to die.

Tell them I knew bliss.

That although my eyes grew tired,

I still looked to the light.

Squinting, glassy-eyed, but

One eye always open, watching the hopeful glow.

Know it was not easy,

As our lives rarely are.

That each morning I was sluggish,

Each night I watched the stars.

Do not praise me for my academics,

For there was stupidity in my silence.

Despite the worldly knowledge I had,

I was not all-knowing.

A big dumb smile plastered on my face,

Each time my pessimism was betrayed.

Sister, though I’m gone now,

Know I loved you to the end.

Please, do not scorn the mirror.

Do not weep when water lays still.

Rest assured that I was loved

Throughout all of my time alive.

Remember the joys and turmoil,

I always hated when you cried.

All my life, I battled satisfaction.

Striving for more, for better, for enough.

Tell them that in the end, I learned to live.

In my last moments, the hunger did subside.