Epitaph

Epitaph

Pain had increased, could be no more endured.
Your friends did look to me for missing stone.
Eternal hope no longer is deferred.
The desperate heart sickness you felt alone.
I thought: how would I author epitaph?
Write words that will be carved into the rock.
Again with him on this side would ne’er laugh.
For clients, cost is measured by the clock.
Words writ in stone, we would spare no expense.
Just write them once, you never will amend.
Would never have writ words that caused offense.
The cost is high compared to lawyer’s hand.
That men would die alone, their friends eschewed.
The terrors of botched hospice we both knew.

On gravestone, first we chiseled your full name
and next the days the universe decreed.
Sought simple words to share undying flame.
Words might express the love you gave to me.
Your grave lacked letters, numbers. Friends complained.
I struggled with the words for many weeks.
Your last reward that you at last attained.
“His passing, closure, that for which we seek.”
From Bible, sought some sacred words of old.
For certain, Paul did think of suicide.
For our sakes, he did stay, is what he told.
We pass both gates: one narrow and one wide.
Your friends complained your grave was unlettered.
Upon your stone: “With Christ which is far better.”