The Coffin & The Pallbearers
The grief we carry.
For my little niece, 2004-2009
THE COFFIN
It was too small.
There should be a size restriction: “No children are allowed here.”
Death is not their domain.
Let it stay behind the curtain that hides its dread in all its lonely glory.
After all, Death is lonelier for those on the colored side of the curtain.
Let it be read to children: “No peeking.”
They shall not trespass upon Death.
And Death shall not trespass upon them.
2011
THE PALLBEARERS
You carried the casket
Of your own granddaughter
You carried the casket of your grief
You carried the casket
Of your own daughter
And cried when no one could see
You carried the casket
Of your own niece
You carried the hope
That lay dead beneath
You carried the casket
Of your own sister
You carried the thought
“Why wasn’t it me?”
2009
About the Creator
Vivian Clarke
Third-culture-kid-now-adult with a melancholic disposition trying to make sense of life, like anyone else.
I live for my daughter, cats, and coffee.
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