Her Body Lies In State Now

Her body lies in state before us now Her last breath taken after a vow As remarkable as any ever heard Magnanimous in message; brief in word As we gather to bid her farewell Our broken hearts yet manage to swell With pride at what she hath bequeathed A gift for the ages, her conscience unsheathed Looking on in awe as she, gathering her strength Raising up on her pillow, pausing at length Then straining her voice, sweet as a nightingale's Pouring forth this prayer, ascending Lady Justice's scales Dear Lord, please take me back to your garden But first assure me that you will pardon All the sins of those now gathered before me For if you will not honor this, my fervent plea ~ I take upon myself all future suffering Of these, my friends and family And with that, she lay her head back on death's comforting pillow As we stood silent, arms extended, touched by her soul -- weeping willows June 23, 2019 Funeral, Eulogy, or Memorial Service Poetry Contest Sponsor: Team Poetry Soup