The Corpse

The corpse on the table is my father.
Preservation is required.
There, he is, on a slab of metal.

The embalmer removes his clothing
And personal effects.

The corpse on the table is my father.
A team readies themselves.
Machines are prepared.

Needles are filled
With preservatives solutions

The process is considered.
The eyes and mouth of my father
Are sutured and stuffed with cotton.

My, how, the embalmer manipulates the sewing needle!
The embalming process:

The corpse on the table is my father.
A team readies themselves.
A 1/2 inch incision above the right clavicle is cut.

The right artery and the right Jugular Vein are accessed.
Preservation fluid is introduced to the circulatory system.

My father's blood will travel out of his body.
He will be gas free.
Decomposition is slowed.

With germicidal soap,
My father will be washed.
His fingernails will be cleaned.

The corpse on the table is my father.
He will be clothed.
He will wear a nice suit. Blue.

His wedding ring will be replaced on his finger.
Cosmetics will be applied to his hands and face.

My father, the corpse, is removed from the table.
He is placed in a pale pine casket.
He is grinning.

Preservation is achieved.
He is at rest.