Poems from the great big Jersey poetry book. A collection of poetry from people in or from Jersey.

The Funeral
by Emma Mary Gascoyne

The coffin lies upon the plinth
Dappled with sunlight of stained hints
The grieving come in sombre hues
To find their place upon the pews

The organ in the background softly playing
While mourners kneel, their prayers saying
They're here for the living not the dead
Some with compassion, others with dread

She sits at the front, staring fixedly ahead
Her tears held in check, her heart turned to lead
She'd held his hand, as he passed from this life
The last name on his lips was that of his wife

"He's lived a good life" was what they had said
Another man gone to join with the dead
For the last twenty years he'd lived on his own
After his wife died, leaving him all alone

He'd lived and he'd loved with all of his might
But his soul now gone, to join in the light
Yet here in this church, they'll say their goodbye
Then to the graveyard where his body shall lie

He'd chosen the hymns before he had died
Respect for his wishes had made her abide
She can't read the words, Her eyes all blurred
Wishing and longing that he could have heard

The scent of flowers fills the air
True and trustworthy their beauty to share
And as voices are raised for the last rendition
The final goodbye in lifes long tradition.
submitted: 09/10/03

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