Open Casket Funeral

Closed Casket Funeral

"I am the resurrection and the life!"
A black clad priest recited,
while the wax-like form of the deceased--
death's pallor cunningly hidden
beneath make-up he didn't wear in life--
lay waiting for the resurrection.

One by one we filed
past the open casket,
each of us pausing momentarily
to gaze
on the husk that waited
for Christ to return.

What were we waiting for,
as we stared
at the still chest and closed eyes
of our friend?

The soul
that lived in that body
was gone,
ascended into the spiritual realm
where he walked
with the Lord Christ
and all who had gone before.

Poet's Note: ▼

Line Count: 23
Form: Free Verse
Entered in "Shadows and Light Poetry Contest"  Round 92.