When you are standing by my grave <br />Don't ask the children to behave, <br />Let them run free and shout out loud, <br />The living joy of which I'm proud. <br /> <br />When I am lying six feet deep <br />Don't sadly hang your head and weep, <br />But let my final epitaph <br />Be tales of life that make you laugh. <br /> <br />When you are talking at my wake <br />Don't chat politely eating cake, <br />Instead buy champagne by the crate <br />Link arms with friends, dance, celebrate! <br /> <br />When people stop and say 'too bad' <br />Don't reminisce and then feel sad, <br />But raise your glass up high and toast <br />The joys of life you love the most. <br /> <br />When all are shaking hands at last <br />Don't hold a grudge from years long past, <br />But face each other, then embrace, <br />Forgive, let love spread from this place. <br /> <br />And finally, when on your own, <br />Don't think that you are all alone, <br />But sing out loud so I can hear <br />And wipe away that foolish tear. <br /> <br />For I lived well <br />And I lived long <br />And none shall soon forget my song, <br />And all I wish, <br />From high above, <br />Is you live well and long, my love.<br /><br />Charles Wiles<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/live-well-and-long-love-poem/
