Roll Call Poem by Leria Hawkins

I will not go gentle
As many ‘tempt to do
Nor in screaming hardship
My spirit dark with rue

I will not go easy
To calmly fade away
Nor end it all a 'frantic
While searching out the grave

I will not admit defeat
Or wave a loser's flag
Nor will I claim victory
Or stand aloft to brag

I'll take the middle ground, my friend
As those of average means
I have no use for flourish
Or gaudy pompous scenes

Just let me go in sunshine, dear
On a day that's bright and clear
To drift into the heavens'
Miles and miles from here