Please dress me in my three-piece midnight black
To suit me for this funereal occasion;
Donate my chequered ones to those who lack
The pattern of my life’s bright inclinations.
Then knot a fine bow tie to flaunt my tastes
The yellow one adorned with red carnations
But do not cross my arms or fingers lace,
I’ll not go in a stance of supplication.
On coffin’s silk please place near my right hand
All memories of my childhood and my children
And at my left the greatest dreams I planned
Achieved or not, they formed my apperception.
The volume of love’s pain and grief won’t fit;
Good riddance then, I’m finally free of it.
Fugitive Fragments 
I think it is wonderful. it is moving and amusing and deeo as suits the occassion…i like sonnets and it’s a good one.Thank you,Katherine
I’m delighted that you found it so Katherine Anne – thank you for your interpretation and kind words.
A wonderful sonnet. Not a form I have had much success with so I’m full of admiration.
The good news Libby is that only the first 15 years are the difficult in Sonnet writing – after that it’s just onerous! I am delighted to receive your very welcome words on this piece and thank you sincerely.
I was caught up in the image at the start and then it was the last two lines that were a literary punch – which is an awesome way to end a poem!
Trust you to see right to the heart of the piece Christy! I thank you for this open and conversational reply.
Very nuanced! Gives me a lot about the narrator but a few mysteries at the same time. I keep turning over the last few lines, because the photos of family implies he does have room for love but not for the negative sides of it.
Does he not want to deal with the grief of those he left behind and/or at the same time knows he’ll never be heartbroken again? Great thoughtful work!
The narrator has an enormous capacity for love but the idiot failed to distinguish the romantic love that he deals with separately in the closing lines. Perhaps he once felt forced to end a relationship due a partner’s continual breaking of vows – but who knows? He does however appear to have led a very contented single life thereafter. He considers that he has explained the concept of death to his children to adequately minimize any impact on them. The poet however is delighted with the level to which you have analyzed his piece and sought clarification from him. He feels rewarded by your interest and is appreciative of your attentiveness.
Stunning, Mike … It reminded me of “The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock “by T.S. Eliot, somehow.
I love these verses:
“Then knot a fine bow tie to flaunt my tastes
The yellow one adorned with red carnations
But do not cross my arms or fingers lace”.
And of course the ending ones
” The volume of love’s pain and grief won’t fit;
Good riddance then, I’m finally free of it”.
Thanks for this post. All the very best to you, Aquileana 😀
A thoughtful interpretation as ever Aquileana – greatly appreciated thank you.
WOW, powerful-good–that’s what I think.
I really glad you got this WD – many thanks.
Most welcome, Sir.
Great piece,. The ending is perfect.
Thanks for reading and taking the time to leave such positive feedback.
If I ever write a poem for my own funeral, I hope it will be as excellent as this one, my friend.
Much thanks mate but listen up – you should check with a lawyer about how legally enforceable it is (An elegy might be more binding than a sonnet?) 😀
This is truly wonderful!
From the beautiful imagery of the opening, to your closing words, the flow is just perfection, bravo sir!
Thank you for your reading and interpretation m’lady – your appreciation touches me and delights.
Oh of course!
I admire your words so very much!
Such an amazing poet are sir.
Psychology claims that people can touch your heart and change your mind with their presence. Let me add…and with their poems!
Gee thanks Maria, what’s even more amazing is that we can do this electronically across the globe – it’s an awesome time to be alive!
Great poem!
Thank you for taking the time to drop that on me Michele. Greatly appreciated.
Mr. McGuire, your stellar personality makes this poem just that more enjoyable. You never disappoint.
Sounds like you never met my bank manager AD – that’s good; I’m glad that the spirit of this piece got you and thank you for letting me know in such warm terms.
‘the volume of love’s pain and grief won’t fit’…yes!
I don’t want to go in a ‘stance of supplication’ either. Well said 🙂
Make sure they do it your way! Choose your gear and kit and let ’em know who’s boss. Thanks for your stance of supportive affirmation 😉
Pondering your own death.. Have not thought about what I’d wear.. maybe I would prefer some comfy jeans and a hoodie… sounds better for me 🙂
Way to go Björn! Poets in particular should see the potential to personalize and dramatize their final appearance 🙂
Very touching yet minimal, I like the balance. Heartfelt and vivid clarity into the poet’s emotions. Brilliant stuff Mike, very nice!
Your opening words also strike at the very heart of your own work so I’m particularly pleased that you found that same element in this piece. Thank you for this fine compliment.
You’re most welcome, it’s always a pleasure to read your work 🙂
It’s amazing to stop and ponder death. I don’t find it near so morbid as I did once. My preference would be very plain indeed, but under a colorful tree. You’ve captured a very lovely thought here, Mike.
That’s the spirit Keely, rationalize the event then add your own touch of pizazz to give your fanclub a smile. I’m pleased to have turned an odious topic to your liking and thank you for letting me know.
We know of your life’s bright inclinations through a poem such as this one.
Funny that – I was just reading a Tweet “Make a little music as you’re tossed about. This is the wisdom of windchimes” (attrib. @SongsOfKat). THAT sums up my attitude. Thanks very much BC.
Such a moving poem, especially the closing sentiment — strikes a resounding chord of hope mixed with realism.
Good! I wrote it as a positive and practical piece and you were sharp to pick up on that – much thanks for such rigorous analysis of my work CG.
Powerful, intense , I really loved this sonnet , Mike.
I appreciate your perusal and feedback eT. Thank you for such conclusive approval.
i love it, truly love it – the style, the point of view, the thought process and the use of ‘apperception’ – perfect in the context. This is very fine indeed.
My best to you, Mike
john
It still amazes me to receive this level of appreciation, particularly from a writing wizard. Thanks for marking highlights in you appraisal John – these all get filed away for future application. My sincere gratitude for these positive words.
My pleasure
Oh, wonderful, wonderful. Yes, all of these things do for me : “the greatest dreams I planned Achieved or not, they formed my apperception.
The volume of love’s plague and grief won’t fit;
Good riddance then, I’m finally free of it.”
Of all fine poets I knew you would find the words…
I prefer the red dress though.
Mike, this is too perfect for words!
Gee Hol you certainly know how to make a guy’s day. I’m truly overwhelmed by this wonderful affirmation. My humblest thanks to you. And yes, red would be a fantastic shade for one’s final appearance.