When Death Is Past Its Prime Poem by Barry Middleton

if there is grief when someone dies too young
then we should celebrate a death
when death is past its prime

old age takes everything that is of worth
and in the end we do not live
although we yet may breathe

with age and illness men will long for death
they pray to greet it like a friend
but prayers remain unheard

so spread my ashes in a worthy spot
and pour the wine and serve the meal
and whisper what you feel

and if you would then read my poetry
and sing a song or two
all else is lost to time