Death Education. Poem by Ashley Hawkes

Death Education.



So I was on my way back from the mall last week
My head was hanged with thought
When on the ground my eye's did spy
a face-down photograph.

With sky-high hopes I picked it up
and turned the picture round
To my delight and black surprise
A man with skin so brown.

About my age with short dark hair
in his best Sunday attire
With Island woman kissing him
And flowers round his collar.

In a pinewood box this youth did lie.
It was clear his heart was stopped.
From the wounds upon his neck and face
And his grieving kin atop.

I was shocked and excited all at once
And not a wee bit sad.
Well, maybe just a hint of it
But fear -I never had.

I took the photee in my bag
along to my rehearsals
The Suspense! As I waited to show my find
Like a god among the mortals!

As I passed the image round the group
My eyes fixed on their faces
Looketh here, you can just make out
the jewels upon his braces!

But my dream of mass celebrity
and kneeling hero worship
Was shattered all too hastily
By gasps and then by curses

You silly Runt! Unlucky Child!
Where did you find this omen?
Go directly to St Patricks Church
You find the Priest and show him!

(Do not pass Go, do not collect two hundred dollars.)

But no, I cried in desperation
This is not a five-leaf-clover
It is good luck more than anything
And a Beauty-Charm moreover!

The actors did not register
my opinion on the find
And all at once, a hallowed silence
filled each and every mind

The furrowed-fear on every face
I swear I shan't forget
One woman accus'ed me
of making her upset.

Twasn't me! My lips protested
That drew these salty stories
Twas Death that touched your sweet emotion
-Death in all his glories!

Alack, my peers don't understand
the luck of Death's Salvation
And so the only thing to do
is pen Death Education.

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Ashley Hawkes

Ashley Hawkes

Hawera, Taranaki, New Zealand
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