When I am dead, cremate me,
But not a minute before.
It’s sure to irritate me
If I hear the oven door
Clang shut while my lungs and heart
Yet cavort with blood and breath.
I prefer the blaze to start
Some interval after death.
Pray, do not ash and urn me
Ere I join that unseen choir.
After the fates adjourn me
Is time enough for the fire.
Sooner will not delight me;
Quick flesh from the flames withhold.
Take care not to ignite me
Till I’m well and truly cold.