Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

REMEMBER WITH A SONG by STEWART ATKINS

First Line: WHEN I AM GONE, STOP NOT THE DANCE, NOR CAUSE
Last Line: MOURNING IS MORE SINCERE WHEN EYES ARE DRY.
Subject(s): MOURNING; BEREAVEMENT;
When I am gone, stop not the dance, nor cause
Song to be stilled, nor any glass to be
Set down undrained. Life had its bitter flaws,
But I would want no hot tears shed for me.
For I enjoyed the song, the dance, the wine,
And often was my glass dashed to the ground
From my unwilling hand by asinine
Grief that was quick to cry its sorrow-sound
Down all the lanes of joy where laughter reigned.
Tears are a burden. Sorrow lasts too long.
If by my going your great heart is pained,
Lift high your glass. Remember with a song.
Lament me, if you will, but do not cry.
Mourning is more sincere when eyes are dry.



Home: PoetryExplorer.net