If I should die before I wake
I pray my soul be taken
Not snatched away with devious glee
I wish to reawaken

If I should pass before light comes
Expire within the dark
I’d wish to know that I have
Done my best to leave my mark

If I should breathe my final breath
Would breathe it with conviction
Not leave behind me scattered lies
A life of contradiction

If death should suck my life-force dry
Spit out my hollow shell
I’d wish to know I had been kind
Conducted myself well

If I should meet my maker now
I’d tell my son I love him
Would reassure him every day
That I’m right there above him

I’d keep him safe and lift him up
Each time that he falls down
Fill his ever growing heart
With happiness profound

I’d hug my wife, apologize
For letting things diminish
Regardless of the future
Will still love her to the finish

That is, you see, the way I choose
To let my love be known
It comes and stays, it hurts and plays
A constant chaperone

I’d wish to send out fearsome strength
To friends in need of healing
Trust my words can still assist
Replace numbness with feeling

I’d hug and kiss all of my brood
Tell them to chase their dreams
For life can seem to punish
But it’s kinder than it seems

Should my heart refuse to beat
Would take my father’s hand
And once more be excited child
Prepared for what he’d planned

I’d let him know I am his boy
And he my inspiration
We’d read together all my work
With dual appreciation

Will always be my father’s son
And wear that badge with honor
So I’ll keep smiling come the time
For me to be a goner

I will not fight against my fate
Shall venture of free will
There’s nothing now to contemplate
No guilt left to reveal

I made a pledge to bare myself
My soul for all to share
Through doing this I’m in good health
Should I be here or there

I’ve seen my baby boy commence
That’s all the joy I need
To take with me as I press on
And take my father’s lead

Have left behind a legacy
And it seems quite becoming
If I should die before I wake
You’ll see the rivers running

Richard Charles Stevens

Keeper of The Crimson Quill

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