When I am gone, stop not the dance, nor cause Song to be stilled, nor any glass to be Set down undrained. Life had its bitter flaws, But I would want no hot tears shed for me. For I enjoyed the song, the dance, the wine, And often was my glass dashed to the ground From my unwilling hand by asinine Grief that was quick to cry its sorrow-sound Down all the lanes of joy where laughter reigned. Tears are a burden. Sorrow lasts too long. If by my going your great heart is pained, Lift high your glass. Remember with a song. Lament me, if you will, but do not cry. Mourning is more sincere when eyes are dry. | Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!Other Poems of Interest...ELEGY: 3. CHANGE by JOHN DONNE AFTERMATH by SIEGFRIED SASSOON SONNET: 98 by WILLIAM SHAKESPEARE THE ANGLER'S WISH by IZAAK WALTON BEYOND THE BARS by GEORGE E. BOWEN THE WANDERER: 5. IN HOLLAND: FAILURE by EDWARD ROBERT BULWER-LYTTON |