Twice I witnessed those smug smiles
Both from newly corpsed bodies.

First time from Mama
On the guerney prior to cremation

Three of us saying farewell
Husband Jim and daughter Holly

Making a fatal error of who passed
Joining her in the hereafter

We admonished Jim quickly–
No Dave is the son who passed not Rick!

Accidently bumping said guerney
Holly and I witnessed  Mom’s sly smile!

Second time from Jim.
He passed suddenly in the night.

We rushed to the hospital to claim him
As he lay full of peace and no more fight.

Speaker phone on as donor coordinator spoke
Has the deceased had sex with animals?

Holly and our dog Clancy both bolted
Rest of us jolted with laughter

I glanced at Jim after
With that sly smile on his face

Letting me know he was here
A piece of him was still there

To convey his gift of humor
Just like my mother.