I wrote this poems as a results of going to a friends funeral. |
CLOSED CASKET FUNERAL By twos and threes we walk through open doors into the funeral home chapel, the polished wooden coffin - its closed lid modestly hiding her earthly remains - sets on the stage beside mementos of a life well lived - mounted and framed are photos, two necklaces and copies of favorite prayers. Because the florist over slept the flowers are late, but the flowers - nine arrangements of roses - must be present before the service can begin. Prayers are said and chanted; we weep, not for her ascended soul, but for what is missing in our own lives now that God's messenger of joy has escorted her soul into paradise. Six strong men - brothers in faith, family and friends - carry the casket to the grave site, we follow behind recounting memories of her material life. Six pairs of white gloves lay atop the coffin as it is lowered into the grave escorted by the words of Tahirih the Pure One. After the casket is lowered into the ground roses, mementoes and handfuls of dirt are tossed in by family and friends; she remains with us in memory and the soul that walked through death's open door into the next world still comes when prayers are said for her as she now prays for us. Even from behind the prayer thin veil that separates this world from the next she continues to proclaim her faith. |