When I die

I'd like to be awake when I die,
Just so I know how and why.
Maybe I'll be executed,
Or murdered so my voice is muted.
Perhaps I'll go in a car that crashed,
Or in an accident get my skull smashed.
Maybe I'll commit suicide,
And write a note saying why I died.
Maybe I'll go down fighting in battle,
Hear the blaze of bombs and machine guns rattle. 
Possibly I could OD,
An addict what became of me.
Or maybe disease will be my bane,
Hopefully not one that makes me insane. 
Maybe something average,
Like fixing a plug or choking on cabbage,
Or something complex 
Like an intricate plot involving robotics.
Or a suicide bomber- s**t surprise!
Nothing left of me save shoes and eyes.
Perhaps in a fire, or at sea,
Either way I'll go painfully.
And after, buried? No I'll burn,
Stay resting in a creepy urn.
And what comes after?
Pain, nowt or laughter?
Maybe death isn't the end,
Just another road around a bend.
And should we believe in heaven and hell?
Or is it all something else to sell?
There's so many paths and gods to choose,
So many religions to abuse.
And now here we sit and muse
About theories of death and life,
Want to know now- here's a knife.

Reviews

[AliciaB]

Yikes. This poem is, in a word, disturbing. And yet, in saying that, I have to admit that I have had similar thoughts as well... haven't we all? It's rather interesting to contemplate how we might die... and also terrifying. You encompass a great number of possible ends in this poem. The line "Hopefully not one that makes me insane" stuck out to me in light of the beginning of the piece. Also "Nothing left of me save shoes and eyes" - freaky image, echoing the utter finality of death. "And after, buried? No I'll burn, / Stay resting in a creepy urn" - this was rather funny in a disturbing kind of way. The final part of your poem, the contemplation of what comes after death, is very intriguing. Overall, well-written, encompassing a variety of tones and attitudes towards death. Excellent work!

[Woody]

I think you've covered it all. so many questions that beg answers. in any case this is quite interesting and rather amusing. nice one Hannah.