Mayor Koch's Tombstone

Way before the Mayor died,
He planned out to a T
Exactly what the wording on
His tombstone ought to be.

The only items missing
Were his dates of birth and death,
Considering he didn’t know
When he’d draw his last breath.

But when he died, the headstone carver
Made a little goof,
And only after he was done
Did he get his reproof.

It seems he etched the year of birth
As 1942
Instead of 1924,
A harmless switcheroo.

But it’s ironic, don’t you think,
That there would be a glitch
When Koch mapped every detail
To go off without a hitch?

It proves we really can’t control
How others might behave,
But all who knew Ed Koch believe
He’s laughing from his grave.