HERE'S HOW I SAW YOU OFF

In a sotto voice, gentle as rain
he bid us come into the office
and laid out papers to sign
Then went to get you - I was
surprised at the tiny box holding
your cremains
In the end, I guess we all don't
amount to much
I remember thinking

Then, still kind as ever, he pointed
out the corner screws on the lid
Asked me if I had a Philips screw-
driver; it was the law
You be securely fastened inside
the little pine box
Until such time I was ready to
disperse your ashes

Just so happens, I do carry a
multi-use driver, so smiled
in the affirmative
He and I firmed up plans for
your memorial at the
Warrior's Cafe on Thursday
He agreed to read the
eulogy I'd written but
was afraid to read
Fearing I'd break down

So - music selected - check
Hall and food arranged - check
Obit written and in paper - check
Hymns picked - check
Programs printed - check
Minister booked - check
Eulogy written - check
Memorial collage designed -check
Cremains fetched - check
Death paperwork done - check

Send you down river - check.
Mourn you forever - check.