WHITTLING

Speaking of tombstones, like you said,
I don't want one; it's not just the cost, it's . . .
My philosophy of justice.

To sink a stone slab at my head,
Engraved with dates and deeds,
As if to render up accounts
To any stranger who can read,
Would be to weight my spirit down
When it ought to be most free.

My wife used to say,
"People have expectations.
"It's the basis of society."

That's just how people are, you see.
If they think they've known you,
They think they own you.
So even when you're dead and gone,
They still want to judge you on
What you have and haven't done.

I'll tell you a secret, though--one
Better kept than it should be--
Death's a release, from even a good life.

As for me, I've had all a man needs;
I had a wife;
I have children I love, and they love me.
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Image from http://www.thestar.com/travel/northamerica/article/1076911--resting-places-of-the-rich-and-famous