L Milton Hankins Poet Quatrain

The Burial Arrangement

The cemetery where my mother lies is overgrown
While my father lies peacefully in perpetual care,
Considering how he treated her when she was alive
It seems this burial arrangement is grossly unfair.

His second wife arranged for him an elaborate wake
And boxed his remains in the most elaborate style,
Then promptly left the state where he was interred
To walk with another man blissfully down the aisle.

I suppose it is fair, indeed, that my father lies alone,
Far from the place where my dear mother is interred
Among her ancestors, relatives of many generations,
For it was clear that only for himself my father cared.

I have wondered if they might meet in the far beyond
Somewhere across the great divide of the hereafter
Having an opportunity to speak of their lives together,
About the hundreds of times he blithely shafted her.

written November 6, 2021

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Caren Krutsinger November 9, 2021 at 7:40 AM Writing is therapeutic for many of us, and I hope also for you my good friend.

Gershon Wolf November 7, 2021 at 6:45 PM Wow. Painful to read of such a relationship that you had to survive, Milt. :) gw L Milton Hankins November 7, 2021 at 7:20 PM You know, gw, because of that relationship, especially with my father, I had a strong determination to make something of myself and to succeed at whatever it was that I became. I have done so. That was my father's only and most rewarding gift to me. All else he took from me.

Delice Arleen Skelly November 7, 2021 at 4:22 PM Full of dramatic irony(I feel for the mother)...Delice L Milton Hankins November 7, 2021 at 4:29 PM Thank you, Delice, trust me she had a rough life. She made it to forty-two. She was the best mom a kid like me could've ever had, and I think of her every single day....

Rico Leffanta November 7, 2021 at 10:47 AM Some religions extoll marriage "for time and all eternity" but even being buried next to one's spouse is more than many people can endure! My late wife's grandfather left his wife for an "experienced" woman, but after he died, his ashes were mixed with his wife's! It is a wonder they did not catch fire! L Milton Hankins November 7, 2021 at 2:42 PM Yep, it's very interesting when we look back over people's lives and how they wound up being "disposed" of by their progeny. Funeral and burial customs have changed radically over the past decade, a lot based on the high cost of dying, etc. Very interesting, I say. Thanks, Rico, for your thoughts on the subject.

Mike Gentile November 7, 2021 at 5:02 AM Seems a bit of poetic justice there doesn't it Milton! How interesting! The actual, real life things usually are!! Hopefully, they will have the opportunity to square things up! Happy Sunday! L Milton Hankins November 7, 2021 at 9:15 AM I think you are right, Mike. Sometimes I wish my parents were buried side by side, but attempts with family to bring that about failed. So, que sera, que sera. Thanks so much for your thoughtful comment on my poem. You have a marvelous Sunday, too.

Tom Cunningham November 7, 2021 at 2:23 AM Quite a sad verse Milton, a shame when for whatever reason couples part. Maybe the only good thing to come out of their relationship was you. Tom Rico Leffanta November 7, 2021 at 10:44 AM Men do have a preference for an experienced woman! L Milton Hankins November 7, 2021 at 9:16 AM Well, I don't know about that, Tom. My mother died when I was 15, and I never begrudged my father for remarrying for his sake, although my stepmother and I were not particularly close. He was her fourth marriage, I think. She had no trouble acquiring husbands apparently.

Shirley Hawkins November 6, 2021 at 10:11 PM Life seems very unfair at times like this. I am sure your Mother knew she was loved by you and others. Something money can't buy. L Milton Hankins November 7, 2021 at 9:18 AM My mother was a delightful, loving, and kind woman who was extremely well-respected in our community. My father...well, not so much! Oh, I'm sure my mother knew she was greatly loved by her children. I just wish I had had her a little longer. Loss of one's mother in childhood is a trauma that never completely goes away.

Darlene De Beaulieu November 6, 2021 at 3:21 PM Hello Milton, No i do not think they will meet in the beyond. She wants peace not to relive the past. This is my thoughts. Enjoy your evening my friend. Darlene De Beaulieu November 7, 2021 at 10:56 AM Hello Milton, you are welcome. enjoy your day my friend. L Milton Hankins November 6, 2021 at 4:20 PM Darlene, thanks. And she deserves her eternal rest. I appreciated your read and your comment. You have a good weekend.