Tom Died At Winter Solstice
You asked us not to cry when you have passed on
But we do not need handkerchiefs we need storm water drains
May the flash floods of tears irrigate your memory and wishes
To dance on your grave and be happy was your final request
When the funeral director has gone home to his family
We will respect your rebellion and turn over the soil
‘I expect you to wear happy clothes tie dye home-made batik
Hippie gowns and torn jeans covered in ink with messages
Not for the dead but for the living who gather in full colours’
As we write our final farewells onto the cardboard box
You designed for your coffin with crayons finger paint and
The mud of the earth you smile contagiously from inside
‘One flower only per person but you must bring worms
A few butterflies a handful of moths and a couple of rodents
Crack open the container that holds my remains for I must breathe’
It is midnight and a full moon invites kind witches and spells
Of Karma on broom sticks and a bonfire of faithful disbelief
Fireworks are in order because Tom likes to go out with a bang
We sing Hallelujahs ‘Bat out of Hell’ and ‘Stairway to Heaven’
‘Born to be Wild’ ‘Wish you were Here’ ‘Bridge over troubled waters’
Remember that voices aren't mute when they’re encouraged to speak
Sandalwood incense mixes with smell of roasted chestnuts and
Fig jam to honour the Buddha and pink lemonade for chakras
To caress emotional reason as we hand over your torch
‘Adults must play with Lego please’ you decreed ‘Life is a building’
‘Find me a unicorn and fix stick on tattoos of impermanent shine’
‘Adorn you skin with jester’s wisdom and henna or heart blood’
Now that we bid good fortune to the future we will light paper lanterns
Watch the wax melt slowly and the sun to rise for your final departure
We know that you will turn to compost but will watch over our lives
23rd June 2019
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