You have a chance to say one last thing to the world.
This thing must be short: less than the length of a tweet.
This thing must be good – it will literally be carved in stone, and people will be reading it for years to come. For some, it will be the only thing they know about you.
So, you story writers, you world crafters, you word fiends; what would you put on your tombstone?
It’s an intriguing question, particularly for a writer. I mean, shouldn’t we have the best epitaphs ever?
A few folks in my family have already decided.
My mom:
It could be worse.
This is her life’s motto and she’s said for years she wants it on her tombstone. I find this hilarious. Imagine walking through a cemetery and reading that.
My brother:
Born once. Died twice. Now I’ll live forever.
His heart stopped for 45 minutes when he was a baby, so technically he’s already been dead once.
Mine:
Our back is to legends and we are coming home.
This is a quote from The Hobbit, when Bilbo is returning from his adventures. Maybe my own words should be on there, but this quote may just be too perfect.
While we’re on the subject, here’s bestselling author John Green’s thoughts on tombstones:
And because we can’t leave it unresolved, here’s his brother (and guy behind Lizzie Bennet Diaries) Hank Green revealing the story behind Gussie Manlove:
So how about you? What will you have etched above your final resting place?
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