The Day of L______'s Memorium

The Day of L______'s Memorium

While you go look over death's
Deep face - the dearly departed
In suit and tie, and you in
Dress shirt and trousers, twice
As handsome as Friday nights -
Surrounded by aunties and
Grandmothers' gray hair
Peeking into the crystal casket
To see their future - not far off
Filled with silent memories.

While you visit generations now
Expiring, I will retract time
Becoming wobble-footed, light
Of heart, with flashing, stretching
Leaping shadow. The dog petters
And stair explorers of this world
Never think of destinations. Grave
And Heaven and Hell have no place
For tree climbers, messed of hair and
Untucked shirt, hide-and-seeking
Across Spring's green grass.

When you awake from hushed, dark
Sleep-walk, step out into blinking
Light. Join us in carefree
Sunshine of youthful life.
You have only visited the banks
Of that relentless river Mortality.
Your reality is here in the dry,
Safe hearth of Time. Remember,
But walk forward with me.

(c) Tasha Chinnock 2006