Goodbye gentleness, goodbye Friend

A sentimental eulogy given by a priest.
You would have hated it, called it cheap.
Those new to the room shudder at the sight
Of young death. Your body white
With a chemical dust, helpless to my touch!



Summer outside is mocking as the ice melts
From the banks of St. Louis, patio decks are full
And music is everywhere. Saint Anne is smiling.
Saint Catherine´s a wreck.



They´ve dressed you in your favourite jeans,
Faded blue, flower seams. They´ve tied your hair black
In a silver bow, crossed your arms in a cold
Distant way. I want to reach inside, unfold them,
To see you as you always were: open to anyone´s pain.



Now the organ grinds a final note. The violins
Are hushed; the mourning scatter like windswept motes.



In the lobby Mom´s a shattered stone.
Your brothers fight the sadness. Dad´s a prideful man.
We´re going out for coffee now. No chance for sleep.



Goodbye, gentleness; goodbye friend.


Poem written by Malcom Jacob Firth!