On Dying Young (Part III) (poem)

By Luke Labern

I want to leave a noble memory:
At 21, I'm the best I've ever been.
I worry that as time draws on
I'll be spoiling a swan song.

If I could die in a blaze of glory --
If I could die at the moment of victory --
If I could die when I wanted to --
If I could go without hurting you.
I would.

I'm ambitious but I'm not a greedy man:
I've seen the best of life,
My friends and family --
I've seen the best, and worst --
I don't want this to last infinitely.

Can't I be taken without causing pain?
Can't I exit gracefully
In the middle of someone else's conversation?
If only I could leave in peace
Without complication.

Things seem so peaceful -- I couldn't ask for more.
I'd really depart early, to add to the lore --
But I'll stay because I would never
Hurt those who gave me all I have.

So I'll live for them, and never settle for loss:
I'll leave and spread a similar message:
I will never slow down -- I'll always aim for the top:
I'll quit only after my heart stops.

A Poem,
Published 13 June 2012

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Disclaimer: This was written by an atheist. A fool. I do not stand by this work. I have left this here for the sake of posterity, and for the necessity of correcting myself. Click here for more information.