I’m appointed secretary of mourning
Chauffer of ashes
Recorder of last rites
Assistant Director of Ceremony
For our quartet
(You, me, your daughter, your niece)
For our private assembly to remember
Your parents. After 65,000 days
They left this earth 11 orbits apart
The space between them a baby’s breath
Their departure has been months now,
Since the portal of the pandemic:
Nothing allowed, no send off for loved ones
No Mass, no funeral gathering, no meal
Together, no tall tales told. Today your
Revolt is complete and our little group
Breaks bread, scatters flowers – the brightest
Kind, turns the hourglass, places their portrait
On our makeshift altar. We call out their names,
Call out the joy of their lives
7 thoughts on "I’m appointed secretary of mourning"
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“a baby’s breath” holds everything, so soft and fragile and quick and quiet and intimate, such a contrast to old age and death. We buried my in-laws on our farm within 9 months of each other, so I feel and I see your celebration of lives in my mind.
Jim – This is just beautiful! From the title onward, it is a “revolt” we share along with you. (And, as secretary, you need to record it, which you have done so well!)
What a beautiful, moving tribute.
To be robbed of the expected outreach of those who care has given us a new reality. You have captured it so well.
Very nice. Very wise voice.
Thank you for sharing, Jim.
This was sad, haunting, and beautiful.
The rite of remembering, “calling out the joy” of loved ones who have died, with friends and family is such an important ceremony and one that is being denied so many mourners during these COVID times. I love your rebellion, and the beautiful way you have told it. Brought a lump to my throat.