Immortality


When I die
   may my ashes
   be spread
   over a garden.

As I turn
   to dust and dirt
   may carrots and beets
   and lettuce and beans
   and onions

grow....


Through the years
   may I become
   warmth to beetles,
   a pillow for ants,
   and food for worms.

And my soul
   in Heaven
   or in Hell
   shall rejoice
   and be

at peace....


          -James Irving Mann-
          copyright 1998

          jamesirvingmann@yahoo.com