In Celebration Of My Departure Poem by LONDIS CARPENTER

Prologue:

I looked for one among the church clergy
to whom I'd trust my final eulogy.
And though I often found men staunch and true,
not one was found to speak my point of view.
Truth tenders, much like gold, a legacy
and no man knows the way I feel and see.
They prate and praise or vilify man's deeds,
according to prefabricated creeds.
It seemed that only I could e'er reveal
the truth about the things I think and feel.
With such at stake, an idea came to me.
I should declare my own last eulogy.
Funerals are for the living not the dead.
Men choose their speeches as they feel they're led.
And since I have no inkling how I'll end,
whom I'll outlive, or who's left to attend,
I'll tailor-make a funeral of my own
And have it now for those who'll truly mourn.
So, with this explanation at an end,
Here's what I'd say and here's how I'd begin.

Part One:

First come the songs; I've chosen but a few.
No mournful hymns that break sad souls into;
Sing only songs to heal the broken part.
I sing you joy; words truly from my heart.
I've chosen songs you'll wish to play again
after the bitter sweetness comes to end.
And know, each song I sing, carries words true.
I've never known heroes greater than you.

No need to explain now; we've talked before.
We've listened to Bette Medler sing the score.
When things seem bad, just play the song again
and visualize me singing the refrain.
And hold me to the promises I've made;
I'll guard you as an angel from the grave.
Walk through the clouds and keep your chin up high,
Knowing I'm looking downward from the sky.
You'll overcome each fear and find a way;
You'll turn the darkness into light of day.
And as you travel on my spirit sings,
You know, "You are the wind beneath my wings."

Part Two:

Now turning to the folks who've gathered here,
I'll speak to you of death and life held dear.
And if I were before you on this day,
The following is what you'd hear me say:

"To all who've gathered at this tolling bell
to send my soul to heaven or to hell,
Please know that I depart this earth with glee
and bid me ‘fond adieu' as I do thee.

"Some mourn my death; others my life much more.
Some revel at the thought my life is o'er.
I know you all and some I know quite well.
To each of you these parting words I tell.
"Neither in life nor death I'd have you mourn;
they both need be and neither stands alone.
If you must mourn, mourn for yourselves I pray.
But pour my wine and drink my toast today.
"Let's celebrate the life I leave behind.
Let's celebrate the life that now is mine.
Come celebrate my death with joy and feast.
Come celebrate the slaying of the beast.
"I only know what I'm about to be
is true for you as ever‘twas for me.
With joy,Phoenix arises once again!
Come celebrate the ashes that remain."

Part Three:

To all the little children gathered here:
Don't let my death allow your hearts to fear.
My casket's but a worm's silky cocoon,
from which a butterfly emerges soon.
Like a monarch I'll soar, then fly away,
find places I must travel to today.
And all your love carried within in my heart
will lift my wings, while we are worlds apart.
Those precious, tender, tears you shed for me
shine bright, like stars, up here from where I see.
Fear neither death nor life daughters and sons;
Death is the door to new life that goes on.

Final:

Some folks who serve no god at all are here.
I honor those great men who challenge fear.
Know this, to me these are no less than they,
Who live in temples, or who daily pray.
Theology has never saved a soul.
Mere creeds of men cannot make grace unfold.
The teachers have this lesson yet to learn;
they wish men's souls, who disagree, to burn.

Let's celebrate the life I leave behind.
Let's celebrate the life that now is mine.
Come celebrate my death with joy and feast.
Come celebrate the slaying of the beast.