Send No Roses

Send no Roses, When I am no more.
Don't, when the eyes, Its beauty not behold.
Don't, when the nose, the sweet fragrance not scent.
Don't, when the hands, the soft petals not feel.
Don't, when the heart, its gratitude not render.
Don't, when it a grave adorns and not a room.
Don't, when the sand the vase becomes.

Send roses while I live,
While the eyes behold,
And the nose scents,
While the hands feel,
And the heart gratifies,
Send Roses for the Vase and not the Grave.
(Nov. 18, 1996)