Last Request | Poem

Last Request Poem Text

A pine box for me. I mean it.
My father.

For the record, friends and family,
I'd like a pyramid when I go.

A small one is fine: build it
out of cardboard in the backyard.

For mortar use duct tape
or school glue: nothing strong enough

to make it sturdy. I want it
to fall down a lot. Lay me in there naked

on the shadowed grass and,
whatever the weather,

wait outside all night.
No beer, no burgers or dancing,

no horseshoes. You may smoke. Talk quietly
if you must talk. Be very sad.

the wind will push the pyramid over often.
Grumble as you set it back up.

Let it be a hard night. Be bored
and edgy. Snap at each other. Yawn.

And just before dawn toss me and my pyramid
in the back...
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