Where I Am Poem by Adrienne Gagne

When my soul is no longer fit to occupy an exhausted body,
I hope to leave something useful behind
in this brutal and fascinating world.

But after it’s over, where will I go?
I have visited thousands of places
Demonstrated the value of language through my carefully articulated words
Met people that have become inspirations to me
and whom I in turn, have inspired.
But unfortunately, my spirit is only allowed to linger on this earth once.

So when I’m gone,
You will mourn for me because it is the instinctual thing to do.
I ask that you not though, because I am still here.

Where am I?
Not on a tombstone;
Where a handful of words delicately scribbled on a slab of rock
Will poorly symbolize a lifetime of memories.

Nor can I be properly represented by a brief description in an old book;
A summary that will be forgotten
By the time the translucent page is turned.

Even my name will no longer hold meaning
Because a name is worthless
Without the accompaniment of a proper introduction,
Followed by a heartfelt conversation.
This very same name will define many others that come after me.
It was never truly mine.

Do not recall the timing of when I arrived and departed,
Because after death I will only know a new beginning.
Do not be afraid,
Because there will always be a part of me that remains here.

Where am I?
I’m hiding in the clever phrases
I once created, that are now repeated.

Residing in the laughter of people who hear the same jokes
I once thought to be so amusing.

Dwelling in the places
I once called home that others now occupy.

So do not mourn for me,
Because there no longer is a “me”
When I passed on, I simply became a part of you.