If I Die Young

If I die young...

Don't cremate me.
I'm afraid of burning.
I don't want to be ash.

Don't bury me, either:
Wrap me up in warm clothes
And let me sink into the sea.

Don't give me flowers.
Give me the words you couldn't say
When I was still here.

Don't let me be forgotten.
Talk about me long after;
The good and the bad and the ugly.

Don't make me out to be perfect.
I made mistakes, so just remember
That all I wanted in life was to be loved.

Don't let my death steal your happiness.
I don't mind tears,
But let them be with smiles.

And don't let my love go to waste.
There's a collection of letters
To the one I love.

To whoever will find it,
I pray you'd give them to their rightful owner.
They deserve all the love I couldn't give them
While I was still on the earth.