The Mourner

He was much impressed by the order of death
providing it was not to be his own.
This most dour of occasions kindled the
holy in him.

Black hat – scuff free slip on leather shoes
he knew all the etiquette that a man was
required to do.
What caused him to worry the most
was his dilemma over tokens of worship.
Just how maudlin should one get over some
perfect strangers demise.

Taking a back seat pew – when knowing not
 a soul
he had never seen as immoral.
He could nod in all the the right places, often far more
superior than those close to their dearly departed.
Yet was it wise to spend finances as if one
was acquainted with the now deceased.

Should death not  be uncomplicated
from bed to grave - Fin the End!
Was a card with a ‘strangers’ name in it
surplus to those required expectations, let alone
a coin or two politely dropped into the collecting box.
Did several cups of tea, a few meagre ham sandwiches
to be rounded off by a dry slice of Victoria sponge
really  grant
license for such a gesture of expectant goodwill.

After all simply managing to eat some of those dreadful cakes
was surely ‘respect’ enough in anyone’s book of prayer.