but i don't think it's morbid to talk about death. death is like a very large hole in a very dark room, growing wider and deeper all the time. it's unavoidable... so why should i pretend it's not there? you can though, i guess, if you want.
but the point is not that. the point is more that this weekend, i found the quote pictured below on my tea bag.
it reminded me that when i was a kid, i had this fascination with famous last words. i remember trying to think of something really witty and profound and comforting to say, just in case i suddenly found myself plummeting into that inevitable black hole. something good to shout back up to my family and friends to be remembered by. maybe even just something hilarious, that could be quoted at the funeral and make all my aunties giggle through their tears.
being, like, eight or nine, i don't think i came up with anything good. but since then, i've heard some very good famous last words, and i thought i'd share them. even if you think it's a bit morbid of me.
"i can't sleep." - james m. barrie
"hey fellas! how about this for a headline for tomorrow's paper? 'french fries.'" - james french {who was killed by electric chair}
"this is the last of earth! i am content." - john quincy adams
"now comes the mystery." - henry ward beecher
"friends applaud, the comedy is over." - ludwig van beethoven
"that was a great game of golf, fellers." - bing crosby
"i've never felt better." - douglas fairbanks, sr
"it's all been very interesting." - lady mary wortley montagu
"die? i should say not, dear fellow. no barrymore would allow such a conventional thing to happen to him." -john barrymore
"jakie, is it my birthday or am i dying?" {seeing all her children at her bedside} - lady nancy astor
"I don't know what I may seem to the world. But as to myself I seem to have been only like a boy playing on the seashore and diverting myself now and then finding a smoother pebble or a prettier shell than the ordinary, whilst the great ocean of truth lay all undiscovered before me." - isaac newton
"it is well." - george washington
14 comments:
I'm not one to turn away from talk death, after all it is the one thing in my life that is to I know for certain will happen. I only hope that I have time to say something witty when I die, but knowing my luck I won't :(
You should read Looking for Alaska, by John Green. It's a novel and famous last words are a theme throughout. John Green also made this video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jLm-5B7NXug
James French's is the best, ha! This is a pretty cool post!
That french fries guy is awesome.
this is good. great even.
My favorites from your post are Washington's and Beecher's. Both are simply beautiful.
Also, I dig your blog's new design!!!
You have skills, my friend.
Skillllllls.
I've often thought about last words...I just hope mine are positive and uplifting for whomever is listening. Loving your new look, Suzy ;-)
Love this, love the new design, lovelovelove all around.
I don't think it's morbid. This post reminds me of the episode of King of the Hill where the guys get obsessed with reading the website of last meal requests for prisoners on death row.
Have you ever read Looking for Alaska by John Green? The main character is also obsessed with famous last words and there are bunches of them peppered throughout the book. Check it out!
jrose: i'll check it out! and that youtube video is FANTASTIC. love it.
claire tripeny: why thanks! :)
my special agent: haha! last meal requests. that would actually be kind of interesting...
jessie thetford: i think those are my favourites too. i'd like to be able to say something like that in my last few minutes. :)
{and thank you--i had a sick day, so i thought, why not?}
jessica: now i'm doubly going to check out that book. jrose suggested it too! :)
Neato idea for a post! Love the one about the kids standing round the bed... she sounds like quite the witty ol gal :)
our dear lady expatriate: i agree. i'd like to have witty last words...
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