The Burial Place

Casually, and out of no where
My best friend turned to me and said:
Of coming death I've no fear
Just bury me in Port Charlotte when I'm dead
Why there, I asked, a child,
An old forgotten flame went before you
Why not Jamaica's tropic wild
Why has southwest Florida so allured you?

None of those, none of those, 
She told me, have you ever seen
The family plot that I will lose
It's a quiet remote woodland scene
A dense bush of animal sounds
A dark place even at top of day
Where loneliness still abounds
O let me not dead in a dead place lay.

I am a child of civilization
I like the music and the lights
The sound of feet, commotion
Of the cars, party through the nights
Port Charlotte cemetery meets
The bill, there is a church near
And a school, and always busy streets
At nights the clubs are never drear

Bury me where the party goes on
She said, and I amused, smiled
And swallowed every question
So did not her composure spoiled
For shall the dead enjoy all that
Or mingle with us again, vain dream
But I'll keep my broom lest some bat
Dare try to make my children scream.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2010

Poem

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Hickman Avatar
October 7, 2010 at 7:54 AM
I love the sentiments expressed here David, and feel exactly the same way about 'laying where the party goes on' . A very enjoyable visit, and many thanks for your warming comments. Gordon, (hicky)
Shetley Avatar
October 6, 2010 at 5:51 PM
You are such an easy favorite on my list David, but I fear 'favorite' doesn't do you justice. I shall pretend there is a number 1 next to your name from here on out!
Devonshire Avatar
October 6, 2010 at 3:59 PM
David, your poems often give me chills. They are so honest and perfectly presented. This is positively brilliant! I like the way she thinks of keeping her broom to keep bats away from her children after she dies. Port C. is nice, but I want my ashes scattered in the Gulf of Mexico to feed the fish. As you know,I am on the road. Drove 550 miles today and am in N.C. tonight. Should reach my sister's in NJ this coming weekend. Can't wait to rest my eyes. Thanks and love, Carolyn
Mehta Avatar
October 6, 2010 at 6:16 AM
You have created a very nice pen picture of your friend and why to be buries in a particular place, enjoyed the humor in the last part. David
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace