When I die
some vestiges
( not of my choice)
I'll  leave behind

I don't disappear:
some here
might still
hold me dear

while others
will have me remembered
claiming they
by me, had been hurt

perhaps one or two
whom I've never met
might have my poetry read
and my words they'll not forget

when I die
a solemn message
will have been wrought-
life's brevity will dominate someone's thought

my departure will be
a symbol and a metaphor
of one who has gone before
reminding others they will some day follow.