Epitaph for a Body, not for a Spirit

Under this stone lies the body of Carl John Skonieczny,

But it is not through this stone that you will know me;

For you can discover my spirit in the following verse,

Because, you see, I am everywhere else in the universe.

If the world seems to you to be heartless and cold,

Open your soul to my sunshine, and life will unfold;

For the glowing radiance of the sun that warms you,

Is my embrace from afar, to wash away the icy blue.

If you are need of a smile or a laugh from a friend,

Listen carefully for me, by putting your ear to the wind;

For it contains a whisper of pure and joyous pleasure,

My laughter will reach you, with a smile as big as forever.

If circumstance has wounded you and caused you pain,

Put your aching face upward, toward a gentle spring rain;

For that soothing water caressing your skin is my tears,

That somehow, someway, will heal you through the years.

If life's turmoil is ebbing and draining your strength away,

Lay your weary head on the pillow of my pleasant memory;

For if you dream a dream of me during your restless sleep,

I will deliver a flock of ghostly doves to bring you peace.

If you are lost and lonely on a long and forlorn night,

Gaze deeply into infinity at the stars and moon so bright;

For the light that you see is from my twinkling eyes,

Communicating across eternity a love that never dies.

If sadness grips you and sets your spirits sagging,

Look for me in the hearts of young children playing;

For if you link arms and prance with them and I,

Together we will dance away your need to cry.

If cruel fate has made you unable to cope,

Look up into the sky for a resurrection of hope;

For the eagle that you see soaring above and beyond,

Is my way of showing to you our unbreakable bond.

If you are moved to shed a tear in memory of me,

Weep not for you nor I, since that is not a happy key;

For you should know instead that life is beautiful today,

And know that I will be with you every step of the way.

So do not look under this stone in search of my spirit,

But look deeply into your heart and your soul to find it;

For it is there alone where you will now be near me,

I am with you always; I am John Carl Skonieczny.