When I die
Don’t lie
Tell the truth
About all the times
I cried out loud
Or pitched and scoffed
At what was hard
And did not take well
All the times
When life was
Not so swell
When I couldn’t tell
How small and simple
The problem to be
Or kicked the curb
And cursed a word
When I could have not
And just held off
And smiled instead
I could have danced
And grinned
And said, “Oh well”
Or be the girl
You’d wish to tell
Everyone there
Once I am gone
How patient I was
How thoughtful
And strong
Never to twist
Or turn or run
Or miss out in life
On all the fun
We could have had
And did have still
Because I was me
And that’s who you
Need to tell
Everyone there
When I am gone
The me that was
That me, that one
Not-so-perfect
Nor prim nor calm
But sometimes was
On top of it all
When I was on
The girl whose life
Needs no lie
Because in life
Like most
I did try
That real person
In the end you’ll miss
The true flawed me
Be fair and honest
In the end
Remember and celebrate
Please smile, don’t cry
Or lie