Death Of An Artist Poem by Alexander Raju

By Alexander Raju

If death's inevitable, die at the right time,
While people retain you dear to their hearts;

Don't die too young, before your talents proved
That your death a devastation to the world;

Don't die too old that you a skeleton turned,
Your body shrunk to a shrimp, and face dried;

Die when your image is quite fresh and clear
In the minds of your kith and kins so dear;

Die when others could say, ‘early a bit'
That a few drops of tears would stain their cheeks;

Do your best and leave your life incomplete,
Give yourself a chance for a life second;

Hate the longevity of Tithonus,
Be Ulysses and conquer your lifespan;

Live and die a beauty, and be content,
For singing you stopped when your voice was good.