My Father died in his sleep on March 7. I’ve been 2 weeks trying to get a handle on the aftermath. It has been, as all things in life are, an interesting journey. Three days after his death, my Mother, myself and two sisters went for a private family viewing of his body. Here is a poem that came from that experience. A copy of it is with his ashes.
Four Women
Together. Alone.
Surrounding him sitting
in plastic chairs.
Memories. No memory, grief,
laughter, mixed with tears.
Elderly and middled-aged.
Four Women. Survivors all.
Come together with honor,
respect, and gratitude.
For a man – a husband,
a father at the end of
his journey.
Peace now.
3/10/09