A King's Will Poem by Jeffrey T. Bender

I now take my leave of you
to go where you cannot go.
It is in sadness I bid adieu
If we meet again I do not know.
Honor left in the wake of my departure.
Ring my deeds out on high
but keep not my name as a martyr
for I wish not to be worshipped when I die.
I leave my empire to my son
it is he, I entrust, who will continue
the works which I have begun.
And as my last wish, have him renew
the love of the people towards the empire.
With my last breath I request, bury me by fire.