This is from a writing prompt that was assigned to our writing group in Mesa, Arizona. The prompt was “When I die, I want . . . .” When I heard the prompt, I instantly thought of an old, bad Irish joke –

Q. What’s the difference between an Irish funeral and in Irish wedding?
A. One less drunk.

I wrote this Limerick.

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Dying I do not fear.
Someday it will be here.
I’ll laugh at my death.
As I take a last breath.
So please don’t shed me a tear.

I’ve waited my life for this day.
When my body would just fade away.
Now what would I wish.
Since I’ve reached the finish.
Here are the words that I’d say.

I’ll start with a pint of stout.
Pour me a whiskey I’d shout.
I’ll drink till I smile.
It might take a while.
It’ll be Heaven, no doubt.

I’d wish for me friends to be near.
All of them hoisting a beer.
They’d offer a toast.
To their newly dead host.
And all would be in good cheer.

My family would be by my side.
Their anguish I pray that they hide.
I’d hope they don’t cry.
When they tell me goodbye.
Cause it’s been one Hell of a ride.

I hope that wherever I go.
There’s lot of sun and no snow.
I’ll lounge all the day.
In my beach chair I’d lay.
Until my tanned skin would glow.

These are the things I’d want most.
When I die and become a ghost.
So please grab a glass.
Every laddie and lass.
And to me, drink a last toast.