Epitaph

Here lies a mind in quiet rest. The end
Called me to meet th' eternal Trinity.
Forget me not; let no tears of yours bend.

I lived in hope that noble men might end
Our pains. Know this is not eternity;
Death offers nothing but the mortal end.

I bear no grudge nor did I waste or spend
My love. Though this seems not a victory,
Forget me not; let no tears of yours bend.

You who remain, heed this and move to mend
While you and time are in fraternity.
Death offers nothing but the mortal end.

Proclaim your lives, let blazing hearts ascend
To God, the endless good paternity.
Forget me not; let no tears of yours bend;
Death offers nothing but the mortal end.

March 11, 2009, English 12
(After reading Dylan Thomas' "Do Not Go Gentle Into That Good Night", we were to write a villanelle.)