How Does One Prepare To Die?

How does one prepare to die?
Dread.
Unexplored worlds,
with no tourist guide.

Will last moments be filled
with regrets overripe,
too late for picking;
like noticing the shake
in your surgeon’s hand
a second before
the gas kicks in?

Who are these people
hoping to go
surrounded by the ones
they love the most -
have they never bowed to
Mr. Squirrel convulsing
at the edge
of the curb, overcome
by fascinated pity,
wanting simultaneously to
comfort and allow him dignity?

I imagine it might be
like ending up
an unpaid entertainer
at your own birthday party,
trying to please
and smile
and remember your manners;
careful not to show disappointment
or the nausea threatening to
flood your throat

…a landmark on your existence
without the privacy required
for personal reflection.

Surely this is the one time

that masks should be

permitted to slip;

 

a final self-evaluation.

  

Author's Note

I really want to make this piece better. Any help appreciated. Thanks.

Reviews

[Ivy]

Well written and deep.My favorite part is the last stanza,"Will last moments be filledwith regrets overripe,too late for picking;like noticing the shakein your surgeon’s handa second beforethe gas kicks in?"Even though it is only two stanzas long, the last one is one I think that inspires true thought on the subject.Again, wonderfully written.

[Jon]

Really like this.

From the very start it draws you in

"How does one prepare to die?
Dread.
Unexplored worlds,
with no tourist guide.

Will last moments be filled
with regrets overripe,
too late for picking"

This for me, really sums it up perfectly - the worry that everyone carries around with them to some extent.

The whole piece is strong and thought provoking and I think you really nail it with the final stanzas

"Calling out for
someone you love

vs.

calling for
everyone to leave
you the f**k alone."

Excellent stuff.

[Tiffany Pochatko]

I wish I could give you a lengthy review like you always give...but honestly I wouldn't change anything about this piece. I love the concept and idea for this poem. Really great words....really great.

[October]

This is great.
I think everyone has thought of death.
It is beautiful that you put it to poetry.
Great job.
-October

[Ratmeat]

I think this is very good. No need for changes. You capture how one might feel in such a situation to a chilling reality. I love squirrels. I think I'd like to pass away in a medow full of them, all alone with a halucination of that one girl, the purest one, before we ever fucked.

[Aaron J. Wald]

It deffinatly isn't crap. If this is the first write, well your doing excelent for just begining it. I think this is a more unique poem. I haven't read a poem that is serious, until now, that has a more soft approach on anouther being.
"
have they never bowed to
Mr Squirrel at the edge
of the curb, overcome
by fascinated pity,
wanting simultaneously to
comfort and allow him dignity? "

I like how you called him Mr.Squirrel. This piece, to me, just has a few things to work on. Overall, I like it and it doesn't need anything added... Just a few corrections.

[Miranda]

it's not crap. however, as i cannot help you add to it, that is not my way, i think the insperation will come to you with time.

my favorite stanza...

Will last moments be filled
with regrets overripe,
too late for picking;
like noticing the shake
in your surgeon�s hand
a second before
the gas kicks in?

i also like the way it ends.
Calling out for
someone you love

vs.

calling for
everyone to leave
you the f**k alone

thank you for sharing with me!

[eli mercuree rue]

�a landmark on your existence
without the privacy required
for personal reflection.

Calling out for
someone you love

vs.

calling for
everyone to leave
you the f**k alone.
i think too much is said when its easily said in those lines alone



How does one prepare to die?
Dread of unexplored worlds,
with no tourist guide.

umm this i understand it but the transition f***s me which i guess death the uncertain transition not knowing when its coming so i suppose it works in that sense..


let me kno when you finish it if youre certain you arent..

lata

[Michael Carr]

It's well written, in depth and sometimes humorous. but the last part (vs.) sorta ruins it, takes away from the impact. it's like ur going for some witty satire that just doesn't work in such a subtle depth poem. still, it was pretty good.

[Devin Pugliano]

"I imagine it might be like
ending up an unpaid entertainer
at your own birthday party,
trying to please
and smile
and remember your manners,
careful not to show disappointment
or the nausea threatening to
flood your throat"

Absolutely brilliant, my friend. Thank you for suggesting this work. The portion that I copied and pasted here is easily something I wish I had come up with myself. I will definitely be looking over more of your art.

As for your review of "Suicide Of The Film Credits," your second guess was correct.

[Roxanne]

I'm with Lola, love the Mr. Squirrel bit, very entertaining. It did jump around but I think that was good for the topic; if you're going to go at something as [possibly] controversial as this it's somehow easier to jump around. I personally enjoyed the "unpayed entertainer" idea. It was very well put. I dont exaclty get how the last bit fits in though. I mean I kind of do, the idea of those who call out for someone on their deathbed vs. those that... well, dont but the way you put it is a bit too abrupt. ... But I did enjoy it, it was quite good, thanks for sharing.