This poem “Epitaph” is used in the Reform Jewish liturgy as an optional reading before Kaddish.
It is so expressive and has become something of an anthem.
Epitaph – by Merritt Malloy
When I die,
Give what’s left of me away
To children
And old men that wait to die
And if you need to cry
Cry for your brother
Walking the street beside you
And when you need me,
Put your arms around anyone
And give them
What you need to give me
I want to leave you something
Something better than words, or sounds
Look for me in the people I’ve known
Or loved,
And if you cannot give me away,
At least let me live on in your eyes
And not your mind.
You can love me the most
By letting hands touch hands,
By letting bodies touch bodies
And by letting go
Of children
That need to be free.
Love doesn’t die
People do.
So when all that’s left of me
Is Love,
Give me away