When I’m Gone

A poem by Paul Buttigieg

Feel not compelled to attend
When they send me off
I won’t know anyway that you came
Or
You thought me not worthy of a farewell

You will have no shame no blame
From me
Dead men cannot speak

There is no hell heaven is on earth
And
God’s book has failed me
Just like it will fail you
Oft

But there was a heaven I enjoyed

If you were my friend or family
Then I was in heaven with each of you
In a mortal place

The best thing you can do is remember
The bastard I was
Or
A person you loved
The memory within you about me
Only leaves on your own demise

Therefore
I am with you forever
In love and hate

I bid thee farewell