Night of the Forgiving Dead

When after all the hospitals
emergency room
chaplin
tears, fears, denial
have run their course
obit print
funeral rites
multi-colored balloons floating into blue
fading into nothingness as they rise

personal items gone through
sorted, divided
given away, thrown away
property sold

What is there left to do?
What could you have done?
Why is she gone?
How come you're, still here?

All earthly traces tucked away
more final than even the sight
of her lifeless body you kissed goodbye
on the forehead

It is coming soon
to a nightmare by you:
The Night of the Forgiving Dead

A cold shiver ran down your back
the last time you passed by her bedroom doorway

doorway the paramedics carried her through
you felt her spirit rise as she crossed the threshold

everything after that was like an omelette
in a pan above the steady blue gas flame
extinguished with
a quick flip of the wrist
the gooey insides stay warm
cheese congeals
takes solid form
you put it away
before it gets cold

her last delights moments before the flashing lights
and wailing sirens
she had visions of her husband from beyond the grave
dancing together again
she thought you were him

You fear the night of the forgiving dead.
Will they forgive you?
Should they forgive you?
Why didn't I see them that one last time?
Who will dance with you?

Poems
©polarpaul 2006