Let me remind you to remember

what I looked like when I died

and to tell me when we meet for coffee

in that Cafe’ on the Other Side.

Was there the smile on my face

of a man, contented, in the coffin,

finished with the race.

Or did I appear…. regretful?

Unready to answer for my life,

for all the things I’d often

left undone.

For all times I missed my chance

to dance with and kiss my wife

or play another game of chess with Sonny

(even when he’d begun, at last, to always beat me!)?

But, even then, though,

if there was still that sad resignation,

it’s nice to know

I’d get, at least, another go…

if I wanted it.

For Heaven’s but the place

to remember the joys

before we choose to climb, again,

on the merry-go-round.

And Hell’s but a momentary, sad, remembering

before, once again, the realization comes

that there’s a next time to try,

coming right up!

And all might go well,

this time…

maybe….

So, remember.

And, do tell.