Caravan of light

deep within

the garden of the dead

serried lines of plastic flowers

gazebo by a pond

black chairs on grey concrete

white pillars hold up the roof

where no one can see

webbed feet paddle furiously

ducks glide upon the surface

heron stands sentinel

along the shore walk

the bank among the trees

heron flies before you

count the name of God upon knuckles

offer silent prayers for the deceased

on the far side shore

walk slowly up a hill

beside a small magnolia

alone among the pines

watch from a distance

family and friends arrive

return among the living

sit quietly with your wife

prayers and an eulogy intoned

procession to the gravesite

stand in silent contemplation

daughter recites Prayer for the Dead

drive across the city

dinner with family and friends

they welcome you into their grief

how many different ways

can consolation be offered

and acceptance be given

you wish

you had something

magical to say

but you don’t

only unsweetened grief

upon the tongue

2-20-24