Odd, it used to be totally dark,

and why not, they are asleep.

They lie in their cradle, tucked in tight.

.

The other night I looked over as I drove past.

I noticed little lights which were salted

in the yard, in the garden of stones.

.

Then I remembered the first time

I saw a solar lamp illuminating

a grave marker…”Dark” was the name.

I tilted my head and with furrowed brow

thought to myself.

“Of course, that makes perfect sense.”

That family name is only a shadow of sorts,

so why not set a juxtaposition

for those who care to look.

.

We set a lamp on our memories.

.

When death visits, as it does more frequently

now that mid-life is in the rear view,

I have heard interesting phrases.

.

Once my wife said,

“Can’t we get him a blanket?…

It is so cold in here.”

.

Brief reality breaks.

.

I think of when my dad laid down

for a forever nap.

The parlor room was dimly lit.

“Normal” things were said…

“He is at peace now…”

I got pissed and said out loud, even louder,

“This isn’t the way it was supposed to be!”

God’s plan wasn’t for anyone to die!”

.

I wonder how many stand around in the visiting wake

wondering, praying an angel would appear

on the closed half of the casket.

Its wings unfolding a supernatural light

which would fall on the face of the deceased.

“He is not here…” would come out of angelic lips.

.

Separation is not normal

yet we acquiesce.

Eventually we put the pain

in tis proper perspective…

wherever that is.

.

When I head west where the sun sets,

in the direction of time passing,

I look over and strain my eyes

to read another marker.

.

“HOPE”

.

I haven’t noticed a solar lamp there.

I might just sneak over there

and stick one next to it.

.

.

“I am the resurrection and the life.  He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live.”  John 11:25

.

For Pete and those who suffer loss.

.

Submitted for …

dVerse

~ Poets Pub