Chapter 15. The Funeral. Poem by Katherine Shaw

I awoke early on the dreaded morning
Couldn't stop myself from constantly yawning;
I couldn't stop myself from crying
Deep inside I thought I was dying
The final arrangements I had to check
I was a mess, uptight... an emotional wreck
The Hearse drew up outside the door
A crowd had gathered, bowed their heads to the floor
Hats were doffed in sympathy
Mum and dad were loved it was plain to see
The wreaths in the car read MUM AND DAD
This made me feel extremely sad
Seeing their names but not their faces
I cried so much my mascara runs and misplaces
I got to the church in plenty of time
I heard the church bells begin to chime
A high bing followed by a long, low bong
Beautiful chimes to a sorrowful song

I walked into the church and sat on a pew
Feeling nauseous I wanted to spew
The church filled up with family and friends
Many appeared in dozens and tens
The coffins were carried down the aisle
My stomach filled with acid and bile
The minister then read a short prayer
Heads were bowed everywhere
Then all the guests sang a hymn
While I was aching deep within
Then it was time to read my eulogy
All eyes were sadly focused on me
My voice quivered and it shook
I don't know for sure how long I took
It seemed as though it had taken a week
As I could hardly read or speak
A prayer of forgiveness, followed by a Psalm
Everyone was silent, they seemed so calm
The service was then over, the crowd started to leave
I couldn't contain my grief I wanted to heave

We met the coffins at the cemetery gate
Most people were there but a few came late
I decided that we must move on
I wanted the day over, I wanted it done
The mourners stood around the deep, dark hole
And onto each other they did console
Aunty Rita stood by my side
And my tears I wanted to hide;
They couldn't be hid, they streamed right out
I was so distraught that I wanted to shout
Mum and dad were sharing the same space
Laid together in their final earthly place
The pallbearers arrived with the coffins
Lowered the boxes with their strong limbs
As the coffins were being lowered into the ground
I thought could hear a wailing sound
I realised the sound was coming from me
I shut my eyes so that I couldn't see
See the dirt getting thrown
I just wanted to leave and be alone
The grave was covered, I gave a huge sigh
Blew mum and dad a final kiss good-bye