Don't Bury Me

Each to their own

I stood before an open grave

and questioned life's futility,

then as the dismal rain dripped down

I felt the heaped earth swallow me.

i heard my inner voice shout out,

"A furnace fire will suit me well,

don't bury me in cold, wet clay

an end like that would be pure hell.

I've no desire to feed the worms

or rot within a six foot plot.

I'd rather burn and leave a trail

of grey smoke from a chimney pot.

So when my ashes lose their heat,

just scatter them upon a bed

where fragrant roses bloom in June,

I'd much prefer this choice instead."

Reviews

[DIVYA]

It's all a matter of choice but I feel it hardly matters once one is gone. Now, of course, there are other things to consider, like space, pollution etcetera. In my country, graveyards are being reclaimed for want of commercial and residential space and burials might soon be discouraged. The Hindu way is to cremate, of course. I will be buried though. We have a family plot in the Christian graveyard and my space is reserved.
Thank you Chris, for this exquisitely written and thinking poem. ⚘

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you DIVYA. As I said each to his own, but what is important is that if we feel strongly about it, we make sure our last wishes are known.

Chris

[DIVYA]

I agree. That's what is important and of course the last thing we are asking from our near and dear.

You are most welcome.

[Chris Shaw]

I appreciate very much your reviews dear DIVYA.

[DIVYA]

My pleasure, dear Chris ❤

[Abdullah]

I got moved by the first stanza

[Neville]

I must confess that penultimate stanza of yours made me chuckle somewhat .. rest assured though feel much the same way .. well its either that or having bits of me strategically scattered :)

Neville

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Neville. Bits of you strategically scattered sounds mighty painful:) I'll settle for the furnace. I must thank you again for bringing this old poem into the light of day from the graveyard archives :)

Chris

[ohiojohn]

Very good, If I do say so myself.

[Chris Shaw]

Four years late for a thank you. Sorry ohiojohn. Better late than never.

Chris

[00000000000000000000000..]

A depth write I do understand I will have that done to me as well. I use to help and work with my best friend he ran a funeral home. It is cheaper. You write had a message to one

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Jon for your response. I'm happy that this poem you could relate to.

Chris

[0000000000000000000000000000]

Yeah I know the ends and outs to death and cremation and you are very welcome

[KeeD]

This was such a poetic way to describe a very intimate and personal choice. If given the option I too would choose an ending so poetic. Really loved the way it flowed so effortlessly and I truly appreciated this poem, it was more than just creating art, I enjoyed the message and will probably reflect and shape my outlook on how I too wish to imagine the end of my adventure being.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Kee, your responses always thoughtful and appreciated.

Chris

[Gee]

Once I die I'll care not what becomes of my empty, lifeless husk. The crematorium after any bits that can be salvaged and used are removed.
Sometimes wonder as to what folk will turn up to see me off and whether some will just attend to make sure that I am indeed gone.
Easy reading written well seems to be your forte ma'am.
Hope all is well in Berkshire, give Lizzie my best :)

[Chris Shaw]

You've got a good sense of humour Gee, I'll give you that. I bet you'd love to see who's truly mourning you and who's cheering you on your way.
Chris :))

[Ardra]

I read somewhere about using our minerals to grow a tree...so instead of the grave yard it would look like a forest...and each person a tree... even after death we will feel connected...and we are giving back to earth....
I am not sure if they implemented it..

But being a hindu...we create and the place we cremate is planted with plants trees...so that it's reminder of it....
So I guess we are doing it ..then normally the remains we take to the ocean and let it wash away all that remains.... that's how we did for my dad.... I guess that's how it will be for me.....

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Ardra for reading and sharing your thoughts about my poem. Much appreciated. That tree idea, actually sounds interesting.

Chris

[Mrudula Rani]

If my body is still in healthy condition,
I would like to donate its organs,
that would be of use to some,
when this body of mine is no longer my home.
Later fodder for fragrant roses to bloom.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you M for sharing your ideas. Donating your organs, a selfless thing to do.

Chris

[Riddhi]

I have actually started about thinking it now after reading this..But once a person dies , how can that person know whether that person is being burnt or being buried..But as I am a Hindu , I will be burnt and won't be buried..This piece was really interesting..You wrote on a topic on which many rarely write..
Keep on writing...

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Riddhi. My poem really a confirmation of my wishes and to ensure that they are known.
read moreThank you Riddhi. My poem really a confirmation of my wishes and to ensure that they are known.

Chris

[Riddhi]

Oh..I wish that everything happens the way you want it..

[Chris Shaw]

thank you ;))

[Stella Armour]

Oh me too, i have a dread of being buried and then waking up lol.

Also there are far too many graves with fallen stones and they look so sad :(

[Chris Shaw]

Couldn't agree with you more Stella. I don't like the dark (lol)

[LKBillips]

Oooh this was a good one. Dark and foreboding, yet with a reason. Not just words, but a choice to be made. Nice one indeed.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you so much. All about choices, and I have certainly made my known :)