I attended a funeral yesterday to give support for a young couple who are friends of the deceased. As I waited, my eyes and heart was captured by a 4 year old boy at the casket.
I scribbled notes on the back of the memorial and then came home and developed the following poem.
Small Boy At A Funeral
By Larry Linville
I sat in a funeral home today
with an open casket of somber gray.
A four year old boy walked up to look in
with the casket the same height as his chin
His curiosity seemed to prevail
as he stared at the body in detail.
What were his thoughts as he stood and stared?
I’d like to have asked but I never dared.
How could his young mind ever understand
something that mystifies the wisest man?
You can’t explain it to him, nor can I.
Can you tell a child what it means to die?
His bright eyes were wide open as he turned.
To know all his thoughts my mind never learned.
Then I was told the deceased was his dad
My heart became heavy – this was so sad.
It seemed there were no right words I could say
I opened my heart and began to pray.
I pray that he’ll be surrounded with love
from family and friends and our God above
© Copyright 2007 Larry Linville (UN: larrylinville at Writing.Com).
All rights reserved. Larry Linville has granted Writing.Com, its affiliates and syndicates non-exclusive rights to display this work.
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2 comments:
This is the reason why this family believes in closed caskets all the way----it is just too hard on lots of people.
Praying for this little boy that his HEAVENLY FATHER and people will be there for him
This poem is an amazing tribute to our beloved friend. We are grateful for the time and care that you spent with us. It means a lot not only to us, but to Brian's parents, as well, for you to write this poem. With love, Jessica and Jamie
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