I came across this on Facebook and thought it was just too beautiful not to share. If any of my loved ones sees this, I’d love it read at any memorial service that’s held when I die. (Sorry it’s in a smaller font.)
“Every once in a while, a poem or song is so well constructed, so clearly conveys the author’s meaning and is so precisely expressive that it becomes something of an anthem. The poem below, Epitaph, was written by Merrit Malloy and as one of those poems, has become a staple of funeral and memorial services…for good reason.”
Epitaph – By Merrit Malloy
When I die
Give what’s left of me away
To children
And old men that wait to die.
And if you need to cry,
Cry for your brother
Walking the street beside you.
And when you need me,
Put your arms
Around anyone
And give them
What you need to give to me.
I want to leave you something,
Something better
Than words
Or sounds.
Look for me
In the people I’ve known
Or loved,
And if you cannot give me away,
At least let me live on in your eyes
And not your mind.
You can love me most
By letting
Hands touch hands,
By letting bodies touch bodies,
And by letting go
Of children
That need to be free.
Love doesn’t die,
People do.
So, when all that’s left of me
Is love,
Give me away.
Gosh, this is quite something. Pity that funeral you were at the other week never had words like these.
LikeLiked by 1 person
That was my thought as well! Why go ugly when there are so many beautiful words in the world?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Exactly xxx
LikeLiked by 1 person
Brought tears to my eyes 🎐
LikeLiked by 1 person
It had that effect on me, too.
LikeLiked by 1 person
So very beautiful
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh, so tender. I just went to a memorial service yesterday for a singer, songwriter and she lived her life I came to find out giving away what she loved – her musical instruments.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Oh wow!
LikeLike
Just about perfect!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Isn’t it?
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sure is!
LikeLiked by 1 person