I would rather be ashes than dust...

"I would rather
be ashes than dust!
I would rather
that my spark
should burn out
in a brilliant blaze
than it should be
stifled by dry-rot.
I would rather be
a superb meteor,
every atom of me
in magnificent glow,
than a sleepy and
permanent planet.
The proper function of man
is to live, not to exist.
I shall not waste my days
in trying to prolong them.
I shall use my time."

Jack London