What If I

WHAT IF I by JOHN M. ARRIBAS What if I would die suddenly, this day What would kin and acquaintances say That I was smart, clever keeping my cool That I was gentleman, quite hard to fool That I could be counted as a friend That I was generous, willing to lend That my word was solid, all could rely That I was honest, not living a lie That I was true, earning your trust That I was faithful, eschewing lust That I was a good son, most of the time That I was a good soldier, many will chime That I was a good husband, in my life That I was a true partner, to my wife That I was a good father, to my progeny That I was a good provider, to my family That I was great: praised often in the eulogy That I will be missed, by those knowing me That I will be lauded, in glowing terms That I was a luminary, the mourners affirm There is a duty that all mourners share The deceased is treated with vocal care True feelings are seldom brought to light Any ugly experiences are hidden from sight No truer words have ever been said Everyone loved me, now that I’m dead