i'll be there

Who’ll think of me when I am gone?

A lonely few? More than one?

Who’ll think of me a kindly thought?

Who’ll think a thought of any sort?

Will there be a tear or two?

A cry? A wail? A fair to do?

Who’ll plan the buffet later on?

Be there to eat it? Anyone?

The vol au vents and sausage rolls;

The cheese, the cakes; profiteroles.

We’ll have it with an open bar

Drink all you can for half an hour

Who’ll raise a glass and make a toast

To the man who used to boast

About the press-ups by the ton;

The funds raised for the marathon?

Who’ll remember fondly when

I went Far East and back again?

Will anybody denigrate?

Will anyone voice words of hate

About the man who lies in state?

Well, bums on seats: proliferate!

I grieved for those I loved and lost.

Who’ll grieve for me? Who’ll pay the cost

Of my cremation if I’m broke?

I may be poor. It is no joke.

Who’ll be around when I expire?

Who’ll be there when they light the fire?

The chances are I’ll be alone.

No doppelganger, twin or clone.

Who’ll place me in the family tree?

Who’ll read or write my eulogy?

Who’ll be there for my dying breath?

Who’ll hold my hand when I meet death?

Who’ll be there when my skin turns blue?

I’ll be there. Will you be too?