Don’t tell the world on facebook when I die.

No photos on social networks as I lie

in hospital bed or quietly in my own.

No sitting beside me fondling your ‘phone.

Don’t tweet that I’ve gone to meet the Lord above.

Don’t scroll down the list of people that I love

whilst wondering who should be the first to know

the news I’ve gone.  No i-phone as I go.

No selfies of you sitting looking sad.

Remember lovely times that we have had

together in my life.  Pray hard and long

and hold my hand.  Sing gentle hymns and songs.

Just sit with me and quietly stroke my fingers.

Respect my final moments as I linger

upon the cusp of this world and the next.

Proclaim my death in words, not in a text.

GILL DAVIES