Will You Remember? Poem by Pat Kunisch

WHEN I leave this world and breathe my last breath,
close my eyes and reminisce my last memory –
the one that closes the chapter of all those memories
that flash – as it is said – upon the horizon of our mind,

WHEN my soul turns the final page of the present moment,
knowing - that the future has arrived - absorbing -
the words of wisdom spoken of
by all the prophets ever born.

WHEN my throat is dried and parched, and lips –
once moist when dipped into the cup of deepest pink,
are now faded and cracked like desert clay,
and the skin of my face roadmaps places long ago traveled.

WHEN the mirror placed before my flickering eyes
causes my mouth to form a smile
at the humor of this time – where youth
dresses itself as a clown.

WHEN the grave opens wide its door
and beckons friendly company to stand on stage -
and receive its audience applauding
to the bow of the falling curtain.

WHEN the clock strikes that hour of applause –
Will you remember my name?
Will it become etched in tablets of stone - or
scattered among the restless winds?

WILL you remember –
- the billboard of my stature,
- the sound of my laughter,
- the comfort of my embrace,
- the voice of my words,
- the shinning of my tears?

WILL you remember Me?