In Liz Wessel's weekend posted a lovely poem by Shawna Lemay called "In Lieu of Flowers." In a follow-up comment she posted an even more gorgeous poem by Merritt Malloy.

Epitaph

“When I die
Give what’s left of me away
To children
And old men that wait to die.

And if you need to cry,
Cry for your brother
Walking the street beside you
And when you need me,
Put your arms
Around anyone
And give to them
What you need to give to me.

I want to leave you something,
Something better
Than words
Or sounds.

Look for me
In the people I’ve known
Or loved,
And if you cannot give me away,
At least let me live in your eyes
And not on your mind.

You can love me most
By letting
Hands touch hands
By letting
Bodies touch bodies
And by letting go
Of children
That need to be free.

Love doesn’t die,
People do.
So, when all that’s left of me
Is love,
Give me away.”

― Merrit Malloy

What better gift for our funeral than to have these words read on our behalf: So, when all that is left of me is love; give me away.

Thank you, Liz. This will surely be your epitaph & we are grateful for the continuing gift of your unique love.

-Erie Chapman

Photo of Ms. Malloy from Twitter