When he's gone...

When he's gone, he hopes people will
have some nice things to say and
try to make themselves feel better about the loss.

When he's gone, he hopes that a few
will tilt back a single malt in his honor
and drink them all neat -- all neat.

When he's gone, he hopes that those
left behind feel like there is at least one
thing that he did for them that was nice.

When he's gone, he hopes that he can
move on to a better place, like they always
told him -- heaven, with the loved ones and God.

When he's gone, he hopes that those he leaves
will think of him fondly, and even when remembering
his faults, find them endearing.

But mostly, when he's gone, he hopes that
he is able to admit it, and doesn't find himself
hanging around to watch it all.

When he's gone, he hopes he's gone.