Jo Franks 5th June 2009

REMEMBER me when I am gone away, Gone far away into the silent land; When you can no more hold me by the hand, Nor I half turn to go, yet turning stay. Remember me when no more day by day You tell me of our future that you plann'd: Only remember me; you understand It will be late to counsel then or pray. Yet if you should forget me for a while And afterwards remember, do not grieve: For if the darkness and corruption leave A vestige of the thoughts that once I had, Better by far you should forget and smile Than that you should remember and be sad. Remember by Christina Rossetti I still carry the last half of this poem in my purse today, fifteen years after my best friend committed suicide. I hope it will give others the small measure of comfort it gave me. Jo