Chapter 16. The Wake. Poem by Katherine Shaw

As I stepped into the hall I felt a soft breeze
I started to feel a little more at ease
Maybe my parents were looking down on me?
Letting me know that they could see
The vast hall was neatly decorated
Too much fuss my parents would have hated
The buffet looked lovely, well displayed
The tables neat and nicely made
I chose a table and took off my coat
I then stood up and cleared my throat
I made a toast to dad and mum
Sat down after knocking back my rum

The band I had hired started to play
Guests tapped their feet and started to sway
Aunty Rita came to join me
Gently placed her hand upon my knee
'I know you're not happy but don't be sad
In a year or two things won't seem so bad
I'm sorry that your mum and dad have gone
They would want you to be happy and to move on'
I started to ponder, started to think
As I sipped away at my drink
Aunty Rita was usually right
I had to enjoy the rest of the night

I made my way to the dance floor
A few others joined me, then a few more
At first I was apprehensive and just shuffled my feet
Then slowly but surely danced to the beat
I danced my heart out for most of the night
Good old Aunty Rita was surely right
The night was over and at an end
As people leave, their condolences they send
It was then time for me to go home
Back to an empty house all on my own