Death is a magnet

A black hole of no escape

Concentrating emotion in a vice like grip

Crushing the hearts of those left on the ship

 

With progress up the hill

Slowly step by step

Towards the final stillness of the grave

Above the tower St George, he waves

 

The last goodbye to all below

Framed against the clear blue sky

Peers down on grief and willow

Carefully placed cowslips for a pillow

 

Bright green sward , fresh with Spring

Englishness the scene it brings

Played out down the ages long

Repetition helps all along.

 

Simple ceremony quiet, reserved 

No God no prayer, no unrehearsed choir

Just 3 well chosen songs

That mark time of life marched proudly on

 

We’ve all been here before

But closeness makes it hurt the more

Desolation covers all

Silence hangs a heavy pall.

 

Self Organised the congregation

Somehow sort themselves in groups 

Placed at relative distance 

Depending on the friendship formed.

 

Nervous conversation, careful words 

Laughter mixed with gut wrenching grief

Swings of emotion, 

Nature provides the release.

 

Wandering departures bring the end of the day

Leaving those left , strong hugs, weak tears,

Take care , take time , take leave.

 

Quiet reflection descends, as the future stretches before those left.

Contemplating the here, the now , the then, the to be,

Solace in nature, stillness, and quiet,

Staring at memory in the heart of the fire