Pallbearer

[ellajam]

Hi, geoff,

I like the way the poem walks down, it reminds me of the viet vet memorial in DC, which has the effect of walking down into the grave (and back out again).

A few notes are below.

V. 1
Pallbearer
for Quemilla Anderson


Carrying you
down the church
steps to pealing bells
to the car, I thought myself
a father, taking a daughter to bed
over his shoulder, turning off the light
and shutting the door, waiting to share
a sunlit breakfast at a loud and crowded table.



V. 2 (a nod to Chris)


Carrying you
down the church
steps to pealing bells
to the overstretched car, I think this line is assumed with the title, we know where the two of you are going.
I thought myself a father again, I like this expression of wanting to care for and protect the deceased.
taking a daughter to bed over his shoulder,
turning off the light and shutting her cedar door, Cedar strikes me as more long lasting than she needs, pine?
waiting to share breakfast at a long, crowded table. A hint of heaven, but for me it is just the wish that tomorrow had the same faces around the table as yesterday.

Thanks for posting it, a good read.