Tuesday, April 11, 2017

in the midst of grief

in the midst of grief
such beauty,
surrounded by glory
all the golden saints
watching

this ritual in another language

ornate brocade
wrapping bodies

her absence
moving through time

his wife has died -
is he aware of it?
hands curled upon his chest.
sleeping? reflecting? longing?
finding refuge
in the rhythm of song and gesture
crossing

there are many
embraces here -

the incense and the water
candles and icons

made uncomfortable
by presence

the dance of pomp
and circumstance

who are these prayers for?
the departed?
those left behind?

so strange, the body
so waxen

the singers drown out
the bells

the lists of names –
saints, family –

not alone, not abandoned,
finally home.