My Epitaph Poem by P K Joy

“My father who owned a half of this world
Is resting here, on his way to the realm of God”.
On my tombstone my son wrote in large bold
Fond and inlaid it with fourteen-carat gold.

This wasn’t an attribute which depicts merit or grace.
So, I appeared in dream and advised that it be erased.
Standing far from me, badly quivering with fright
My son said he would delete, and asked me what else to write

“My attribute wasn’t wealth” I said “Don’t you remember my boy?
Smiles on the face of the poor have always given me joy.
So, take your pen and paper and write down what I say
To inscribe on my tomb, and without gold inlay:
‘Here lies a man who lived for the welfare of the poor.
Heaven he doesn’t want, instead he wants fast rebirth here,
To be with the weak and needy, and try to wipe their tear.
Working for man’s soccer he prefers to heavenly pleasure’. ”

My son did as I dictated. His action gladdens me.
I look forward to my rebirth with the least delay, to be
Among the weak and deprived, to lend them strength and support
And raise their level of life with dignity and respect.