pallbearer

Dear Tim 

    I carried your ashes part of the way to the gravesite 

on a windy fall day 

timeworn trees of Gretna swaying 

you a constant weight 

in my hands 

gripping 

as we all trod together 

the prairie path you loved 

until we stopped under the maple 

welcoming branches 

where your mother and father sat waiting 

and Dave spoke 

and Vic sang 

and Steve read

and we learned about the blanket 

that would enwrap you in the box

inside the velvet bag 

and we said goodbye through tears 

for here you can rest 

for my arms could only carry you 

a short walk 

but now arms everlasting hold you 

all this just to say so long

my friend