Poem: I had to work another funeral

There is a rest

(So they say)

Be careful!!!

(The writer cautions)

Be careful that you don't fall short

Of entering rest


Do not go gentle into that good night

(So they say)

RAGE!!!

(The writer urges)

rage. (If your bones can take it)


To be absent from the body

(I have heard)

Is to be present with the Lord

(The writer argues)

For we all must appear before the judgement seat of Christ


It's raining today

So appropriate for the funeral of a 21 year old.

"He had a history." The soundman said to me

(Smugly. You know how shitty white Republicans are.)

"He struggled." The minister said to me.

(With only a little compassion. You know how shitty church people can be.)

And I don't feel the need to stand

In the presence of so-called great men

(And I hope no one ever stands for me)

For we are all cut from the same cloth

There is nothing so remarkable about anyone


And yet

We are something

So be careful, if you want.

There is a rest

That comes with death

A sigh of relief

A twinkle in the eye

Until it is gone forever

So be careful

That you don't enter rest until you're ready

- I had to work another funeral