No trainers, not today
No jeans or white socks
No tee shirt or baseball cap
Today would be different
Blue suit, white shirt
Black tie, black shoes
What to expect, no idea
How to act? He would learn
What to say? He would listen
He had planned in his mind
How it would happen
Family arrives, tears are shed
He would get drinks
Passing round, whisky, sherry
Everyone talking, softly, quietly
Big cars arrive, leaving slowly
Sit there in awkward silence
Look out the window,
Avoid eye contact
Then at the church
Singing, speaking, praying
Saying goodbye, more tears flowing
Back in the car,home now please
More drinks and food a plenty
Chicken leg, prawn sandwich
Eating now, relief and laughing
Finally all over
Everyone gone.
Thats how it would go
His first funeral.
Not a Day for Trainers
Published by jolono on December 19, 2011 - 10:17
from the ABC set Poems of Life and Love
from the ABC set Poems of Life and Love
Comments
scratch | December 19, 2011 - 20:46
Good job jolono, the prerequisites that I know you have had to include are not in the least strained, perfectly executed - it put me in the picture, well done. The whole thing oozes quiet organ music and shiny elbows and dust and chrysanthemums and prawn sandwiches and black shoes. Loved it. And the intergenerational feel as well - I'm sorry, I'm rambling now, I'll stop. Thanks.
jolono | December 19, 2011 - 21:06
Thank you scratch! Black shoes and prawn sandwiches just made me think of funerals straightaway. Must be something in my past? Who knows? Thanks again.
Edenfalls | January 2, 2012 - 21:02
I enjoyed this poem very much. Its thoughtfull and observant and brings back memories of adolescent angst. Well done.
jolono | January 3, 2012 - 14:40
Thanks Edenfalls. Glad you enjoyed it.