The sad news of the passing of US country legend Dolly Parton has caused many to reflect on their own lives. She left a huge legacy, not only of songs, music, movies and concerts, but also of love. Her philanthropic efforts to place books in the hands of millions of children will live on into history.
I have often wondered, as I get older, what my own legacy will be for those who live on once I'm gone? Like many, I have children and grandchildren. Some of them will live to see the turn of the next century. As a poet and writer, I wonder what I will leave behind for them that is of any consequence... Well, here are a few thoughts...
Firstly, I imagine my books will live on. There are several volumes of published work, both academic and poetry, that are already in the hands of readers out there somewhere in the world. I have found it gratifying to walk into a bookshop somewhere in the world, and see my books gracing the shelves. Just how much of my writings will be read in future years is unknown. But the books will be there as a legacy of my thinking and creativity.
Secondly, there is my social media footprint. As with anyone who has ventured onto social media of any kind, a presence is always left. There are the YouTube videos, the Facebook and Twitter posts and other artefacts such as photographs on Flickr and Instagram for example. Many of these are more or less permanent. Again, just how many people will visit and view is an unknown variable.
Thirdly, I hope my music will live on. There are various recordings of my songs on vinyl, tape, CD and in digital format, either performed by me or by a number of other musicians. The lyrics of my songs are stored at the Performing Right Society as a permanent record. This is another legacy of my creativity.
Finally, and arguably most importantly, the impression I have made on others will live on in some people's memories. If I have acted in kindness to someone, they may remember, and may tell the story to others. If I have sponsored a child, they will grow up knowing that it was me from whom they received their funds. If I have donated to a charity that has benefited someone, that will live on, although the beneficiaries will probably never know if was me who provided their aid.
Whatever our legacies, may we all act and live in a way that is productive, creative and beneficial to those we encounter along the way. May our poetry, music, words and deeds be remembered by people who have a cause to celebrate us.
Steve Wheeler
Photo from Wikimedia Commons
