Epitaph: first draft

Aside from the statutory ton of shit

We leave behind,

And the echo of whatever the hell it was

I was trying to say on this planet,

I want my atoms

To go on making love and trouble

When I die die die.

So here lies R.C.

            Tried to make sense of it all -- couldn't.

            Tried to use the great gift of life -- didn't.

            Tried to love more than himself -- wouldn't.

                                                                             -- Panama, January 22, 2005