My Funeral

Fluids flowing, now released… All organs weighed and measured Lips sewn shut and rouge applied Draped in clothing once treasured Here I lie in silent state, death no more denied Hands neatly clasped; fingers entwined as though in slumber pleasure For they must see me lying there; even now I cannot hide One last morbid curious glance, then into the newly dug fissure Cloying fragrant flowers bow to shuffling lines of guests arrived I still feel so much in the present; as if I am still here somehow… Watching as they kneel and pray and offer their regrets Heavy casket lid is sealed, black gases ebb and flow Around the corporal stinking mass; so effortless to forget Awkward shuffling of burdened lads with coffin now in tow Keeping up with the quiet crowd; I don’t want to be alone Watching from behind the porch as into the hearse I go Black on black; paled faces of drifting marching drones What a sad and gruesome lot hovering at my graveside From shaded leafy depths I gaze at priest and parlor hosts How curious, this silly morbid parade of friends all true and tried Gazing at them as they take their leave, visible relief from most To only touch them; ask them to laugh, instead of shuddered sighs This isn’t who I was at all, but now I am a shadow without a voice I cannot reach this other world, no matter how I try So here they are to remember me and I have no other choice But to stand alone, unrealized…and watch as they all cry