Your Last Driver
When your last breath leaves
And your last thoughts cease
I will be your last driver.
As you’re thrust, again,
into a world unknown
I’ll make your final bed.
I only have pieces of your story.
I see the vessel that created your legacy.
I see the pain left behind by your leave.
It coats me.
Over and over again.
I’m left to help you break away from this plain of existence.
I give you dignity and respect you can’t ask for.
I’ll wash your face for the last time.
No judgement.
Just dignity.
Just dignity.
That is my purpose.
To feel the last bit of warmth in your hands,
to see your last goodbyes;
The tears are a hope.
A hope that we matter.
This all accounts for something,
and it’s evident in the pain we carry and feel in these rooms.
These tears were earned by a revered and shared history.
And though you can’t express
Any emotion anymore.
I will be your last driver.
I’ll come to help you go.
8 thoughts on "Your Last Driver"
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I like how tender this is, especially lines like: “I’ll wash your face for the last time.” It’s comforting knowing there’s someone who cares so much behind the wheel of the last ride.
I did mortuary transports for about half a year before I was promoted to Crematory Operator at work.
Deathcare was literally the only line of work I’ve had since I began that actually called to me and demanded that I apply myself fully.
It has all been one of the most rewarding experiences of my life.
But thank you for reading, and while I can’t speak for everyone in this field, I will say that there are certainly some of us out there that are absolutely “with” you in your time of loss. The privilege to be a part of the finality of a life and to give that reassurance in the face of a horrible loss is something I’ll die proud of.
Wow. Such a beautiful poem. Unbelievable tenderness. Thanks, Brady.
Kevin, thank you for reading! I really appreciate it and I’m glad it brought something to enjoy to you for a moment.
Beautiful! Perfect title–the repetition of this tugs on my heart all the way through. I agree with Bill–it’s tender. And reading more about your background just adds to this.
I enjoyed experiencing your poem!
Thank you so much Michele! It is really nice to have a warm reception putting my stuff out here for a first time. I hope that I can at least shell out some thoughts that bring some semblance of hope and joy and understanding to whoever may read.
So poignant and powerful! Thanks for sharing!
Thank you so much Linda! I’m not sure what else I’ll put out there this month, but I hope some of it serves as a good read for you.