The following are responses to a prompt in which we attempted to write our Swan Songs:

D-Unit

Like the swan I too will sing a song

Except my song will be in words, and they'll say:

Fuck! I don't want to die PLEASE GOD GIVE ME ONE MORE CHANCE! I DON'T EVEN HAVE A CHILD TO LEAVE BEHIND!

-N.A.

H-Unit

Don't cry for I am set free

I lived my life as best as I see

Obsessed with the struggle

During life I started to juggle

I'm sorry for the hurt I've caused

For the absent days

For my addictive ways

I ripped us both off

Of memories we never made

Just remember my love was constant,

It never fades

My family and kids, I take you with me

Live your lives as best as can be

Learn from my mistakes

Be caution on every path you take

There will be consequences and lots of choices to make

Remember me as best you can

When times are hard, I'll be holding your hand

We will watch the waves take walks on the sand

You will not see me but you will feel me

I'll never leave you alone

We are bonded from the heart

I cherished you all from the start

I'm sorry we had to part

I'm building our castle in heaven

I'll greet you at the pearly white gate

We will live eternal life. It is our fate.

-S.A.

My last breaths, I wonder how many

Hearts I loved, touched, embraced and broke

Will they remember?

Does it even matter?

Will my angels find me when they return home?

And while I'm gone, may I protect and guide them as my mom has done for me

My last touches will sparkle with flecks of glittered gold

They will be pure, of light, love and passion

After long when I'm forgotten

Those flecks of gold memories will appear

and fill hearts with gold warmth and love

-D.G.

What is the story I leave behind

With my last breath, what truths will we find

Is my song a story of conquering

Or could it be that of one who is conquered

Is it of strength and power

Or of substance and durability

Is it full of beauty untold

Covered away by depression's blanket of cold

Pain, strife, trials and tribulations

Uphill battles, miles and miles of my demons' retribution

This doesn't make my song ugly or sad

In fact, the balance proves true

As deep as your sorrow is as deep as your joy

So in my last few moments my heart will sing

the lyrics to my soul's painful journey this life has allowed me to endure

I will sing with every ounce of energy I have to spare

Because I know my bliss is somewhere beyond out there

-Eyez