After Reading Langston Hughes’ “As Befits a Man”
When it’s my time for dying, don’t want a lot of women hanging around.
When it’s my time to look for God, won’t need a crowd of women standing around.
Just want to feel that one good woman hold my hand down to the ground.
When I’m all done with this body, don’t want to hear a crying sound.
When I’m shaking off this body, won’t care for moaning all around.
Just want to hear one good friend laughing as they slide me in the ground.
And if there’s a Resurrection, won’t need to hear the trumpet sound.
And if there’s a time for rising, won’t need a choir’s angelic sound.
Just my friend and woman saying, “Get your self up off the ground!”