Famous Last Words

Famous last words: “This is the last of Earth! I am content!”

John Quincy Adams; “Wait a minute...” Pope Alexander VI;

“Am I dying, or is this my birthday?” Lady Astor; “I want

Nothing but death” Jane Austen. Now, let’s consider these

And other pithy, witty or prophetic final pronouncements.

Why is it that generally only the rich and famous, indeed

Many of the infamous as well, are quoted for that which

Is said on their deathbeds? Most common folk, the rural

Mother of five or the blue collar worker in Bismark are rarely

Afforded the privileged of having their final utterance passed

Along to the masses. And then there are those, rich and poor

Alike, those who have the misfortune of leaving this life

Suddenly without warning. I can imagine looking up at the

Streaking asteroid fireball falling from the sky, or being fatally

Stricken by a massive cardiac infarction. Could be the oncoming

Bus aimed at me which happens to be the last thing I see. What

Then, with no final say on my headstone to be engraved? Perish

The thought (literally)! Lest we forget, Nature has erased myriad

Species from the face of this Earth numerous times in her 4.6

Billion year history. And it is only a matter of time before another

Devastating calamity of global proportions happens again. In

Preparation for the possibilities, whether indicated by fate or

Accident, I submit this, for recorded history, my last testament

For all to see. In advance, I leave the only world and life I have

Ever known with these finals words--”Oh my God, will you look

At that…!” To you, my friend, I suggest the same. Before the end

Appears naturally or man-made, is actuated by accidental mishap

Or physical malady, while you’re still alive, come up with some-

Thing simply profound to say (preferably short and to the point).

And by chance you should survive today, write something down

Anyway. Should you be pressed for time, take a selfie with your

Smart phone. Photos are still worth...Well, you know. Then by all

Means, carry on.

Chris Hanch 3-5-17