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
