#79 Last Words

There's a mythology around last words

They supposedly have more impact than all others

The parting imprint we impart on those about to depart

Whether they're the last words of life or last words to an ex-lover



How can a few words sum up

All the experiences that have gone before

Whenever I've found myself saying last words

I always want just a few last words more



Right now, I want to talk about and to each one of you

In turn, saying how you've made my time here unique

How you've encouraged, supported, assisted me and all others

And helped one another when someone's struggling that week



This community of individuals is simply outstanding

The time you've all sacrificed to help others go far

The things we've done, the people we've known

These are the things that define who we are



I don't know what my last words are gonna be

But know that my last words to you are simply this

I hope these are not my last words to you.

Don't grow old without me. I love you all. There's not one of you that I'm not gonna miss

***

http://harryisapoet.blogspot.com/2014/06/off-topic-last-words.html

context: this is the poem I wrote and performed for a valediction service (normal language - leavers assembly) for the people in my year at Mansfield College who were leaving.