Millie Niss

No longer mourn for me when I am dead

              ‒Shakespeare, Sonnet 71

 

I hope you do not miss me when I'm gone

For longer than it takes the news to spread

Of my demise.  Just tell them I am dead

And decomposing.  They won't care a whit.

Hey, if you read this poem please do not think

Of me if it will make you sad.  I love

You so much that I'd rather you forget

Than grieve for me in tears or silent pain.

And should you come to read this past the time

When I've become recycled food for worms

Do not, oh please, do not repeat my name;

Just let your love die with me and be free.

            Do what I say unless you want to bear

            The scorn they'll heap on any friend of mine.

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