Open the doors and you'll see him there –
Jeremy Bentham, sat in his chair
all fully-dressed bones and glassy-eyed stare,
surveying the scene with his quizzical air.
If it happens at all, it's exceedingly rare
to face eternity installed in a chair –
but looking at Bentham, I have to declare
maybe that's how I'd like to wear
away those long years. Yes, I will swear
old Jeremy's afterlife out in the air
raises a smile – he needs no prayer
this student of happiness, who wanted to share
wisdom and wit, kindness and fair
play to all life, which he confronted four square.
Learned philosopher, freed from all care
you’ll outlive us all, upright in your chair.