WHEN I GO OUT

When I go out and shut the door,

May no one slam it after me;

Though I may turn this way no more

When I take on Eternity;

Make what rude jest of me you may;

While living let the laughter roar;

But when I leave, just smile and say,

He has gone out and shut the door.

Don't sniffle o'er my lifeless clay,

For I will not be lying there;

Tears when I'm dead may last a day,

And then evaporate in the air,

May I take with me just one smile

Heart-warm from memory's store,

That may the lonesome way beguile,

When I go out and shut the door.

When I go out and shut the door,

Say what you please behind my back;

I'll not be coming this way more,

To squabble over eathly clack;

Say if you will that I was queer,

And had some faults and habits too;

And you may say while living here,

I loved the world, including you.

And when I lay my burdens down,

Don't pick them up 'till I am gone;

For whether I be king or clown,

All will be equal at the dawn;

I trust that when it comes the day,

That smiling, I have paid my score;

When starting on my cheerful way,

I'll not go out and slam the door.

© J.M. RICHARDSON

This poem was written by J. M. Richardson for his eulogy

My heartfelt to Gary Beatty for sharing this poem!