Love Me Now

Do not bring flowers to me when I'm dead;
Unlighted eyes can't see the colors bright.
I'll have no need of them where angels tread.

Just lay my body down in earth's dark bed
And know my soul has gone where there is light.
Do not bring flowers to me when I'm dead.

In this my fleeting life I've often said
I need warm smiles to help me through life's fight;
I'll have no need of them where angels tread.

But now my soul cries out in fear and dread
Of traveling down life's road alone at night;
Do not bring flowers to me when I'm dead.

Don't wait until I've said goodbye; instead,
Bestow upon me now gifts that delight.
I'll have no need of them where angels tread.

I say to you before my life has fled,
Before I feel the chill of winter's blight,
Do not bring flowers to me when I'm dead;
I'll have no need of them where angels tread.

Copyright © 1994 Ruth Gillis

Previously published in Tucumcari Literary Review August 1994