The Wake

Broad swathes of black vestments
punctuated by jewel tones.
Men in dress shirts, sleeves folded up
at the elbows, collars open, formal
and not. Dozens of twenty-something men
Dressed for success.
At the wake for their friend.

Gratitude~
How does one claim gratitude
While in a line for a 27 year-old's wake?
The line stretches 4-6 people wide.
It winds through the building spills
Across the parking lot.

Somber. Nearly silent~
Soft conversations
~ others' illnesses, demise, the topics

And inside, once we're inside?

The sun shines on a
beautiful August evening
A breeze plays with mourners
Hair, skirts~

And cars line the streets
overflow in parking lots
surrounding the funeral home

And inside...
Will there be soulful tears?
or
any memories which bring laughter?

And inside..
numerous sports awards,
championship photos,
family memories,
smiles frozen in time...

The wound is fresh, deep, raw.