WHITTLING

 


       Speaking of tombstones, like you said,

       I don’t want one; it’s not just the cost, it’s . . .

       my philosophy of justice.

       To sink a stone slab at my head,

       engraved with dates and deeds 

       as if to render up accounts

       to any stranger that can read,

       would be to weight my spirit down

       when it ought to be most free.

       My old woman used to say,

       “People have expectations.

       “It’s the basis of society.”

       That’s just how people are, you see.

       If they think they’ve known you,

       they think they own you.

       So even when you’re dead and gone,

       they still want to judge you on

       what you have and haven’t done.

       I’ll tell you a secret, though—one

       better kept than it should be—

       death is a release,

       from even a good life. 

       As for me, I’ve had all a man needs;

       I’ve had lovers; I had a wife;

       I have children I love, and they love me.

_____________________________

Image from thestar .com/travel/northamerica/article/1076911--resting-places-of-the-rich-and-famous