An epitaph is a short inscription used to honor a life departed. This is a kind of memorial tribute carved on stones and mounted beside the grave of the subject. Though they are often simple expressions of honor, some epitaphs creatively blend with a solemnity that leaves an indelible mark on anyone who stops and reads them.
Humorous Epitaphs
There are people with a sense of humor that lives on even when they are dead. Below are a few epitaphs that takes a humorous approach:
"I told you I was sick!" This epitaph depicts a person with a dark sense of humor. They seem to be making fun of people who never believe that they were truly sick before their death. It seems they got the last laugh even at death.
"See, I told you I won't last!" Just like number one, the writer of this epitaph aims to make fun of his own expense. A kind of playful defiance, as if to say they were right all along about dying early.
"Don't quote me on this." This epitaph depicts a comedian who leaves a last joke before his death. It encourages us to laugh at life's absurdity and to not take things too seriously.
"One tequila, two teqt, three tequila, floor." This is an epitaph that fits someone who lives life partying and may have taken to drinking too far in one night. It points us to a picture of the deceased having a final joke at their misfortune.
The use of humor is a unique way to leave something to be remembered for. These epitaphs show that not all memorial messages should leave a feeling of sorrow. Laughter can be a healing balm even in death.
Creative Epitaphs
There are epitaphs that showcase the creativity of the subject even after their death. Below are some examples of such epitaphs that demonstrate originality:
"Pause, traveler, and she'd a tear, For in this grave a poet's here." This epitaph depicts a person with a passion for poetry, while also encouraging the reader to catch the emotions in those words. It captures the scene of mourning beautifully with just a few words.
"Don't mourn for me, Argentina." (Dedicated to the musical Evita) Eva Peron will be appreciated for this nod by theater lovers. The epitaph shows the personality of the subject and what they live for even after they are gone.
"I told you I was ill." (Reference to the late Spike Milligan, the UK comedian). This epitaph confined a specific message to a poetic structure. It's both memorable for its content and purpose.
"See, the conquering hero comes!" (Reference to a famous song written by George Fredrick Handel). This epitaph demonstrates how one can craft a unique epitaph that gives credit to the work of others. Classic and creative writers will fall in love with this reference from antiquity.
Using artistic or allusions format to craft an epitaph is a memorable way to demonstrate the several ways people have chosen to be commemorated. The use of creativity ensures that one's legacy lives on long after their demise.
My Dream Epitaph
While there may still be a good number of years ahead to live in this life, I would love to have a great epitaph for myself some day. So, I came up with this catchy epitaph:
A writer to the Very End
"With pen in hand life's mysteries he explored,
Now finds his final story written in stone.
A heart for words was his only vice,
This scribbler's work is at long last done."
I am a lover of language and storytelling. Writing will be a passion for me throughout my life. So, an epitaph acknowledging that final part of my life would be so meaningful. Keeping it light hearted while paying homage to my career feels like a great way to memorialize a writer.
Conclusion
No matter the form of the epitaph, be it humorous, creative or personally meaningful, the purpose is to allow one's personality and legacy to live on long after a person is gone. With just a few lines, much can be said about someone from what they wrote as their memorial message. Exploring the several epitaphs shows the different ways people have commemorated themselves throughout history around the world. While we are all certain of an impending end, a well crafted epitaph will ensure our departure are as uniquely as we lived.