DEATH Poem: “When I Leave” by Michael Martinus

I have a strange feeling I may leave tonight,
Quick and quiet as I lay dreaming.

Recently, I’ve reacquainted myself with nature
And I’ve decided that when I die
I’d like to become a willow tree
Standing strong and beautiful
Like I always wished I could be.

I’d like to become one with the Earth
To return my breath to the world
Be shade in the sun,
Flower in the spring.

To everyone who loved me,
Plant me in a silent place
And let my branches grow long
So I may provide shelter to any who need it.

Let lovers sit beneath me
And carve their hearts into my bark
So that I may feel the pain and passion
Of loves I never had.

Let those with sorrow find solace within my leaves
And if they weep, I will weep with them
My branches will guard and comfort them
And eventually, send them back out into the world.

To everyone I loved,
Plant me in the dead of night
Visit me under the stars
Hear me in the midnight breeze

At night, I was alive