early morning conversation

what are you doing there, sitting
in that chair? why are you all
dressed in black?
I have to go, go
to a funeral, to a funeral in a moment.
inner moment.

did you know the person well?
oh yes, quite well, recently, and
some time ago

did you get on?
oh yes, I like to think so. we
had some great debates, she told
me things – explained things

did you argue?
I can't deny – we had a few
disputes. But once I said, 'I won't
argue with you now – in the end you're always right, always
right.'

did you mind that?
not at all. she was my rock.
my redeemer.

an' what two things
do you remember most?
I think the way she treated everyone the same –
it didn't matter how 'big' or 'low', to her you were
one the same. Each was each as one-to-one.
I think the way she did not measure out her love -
the show of love was neither here nor there, only the
depth, and the tightness of its focus.

she has many friends, I'd guess.
Oh yes. But who are you, standing
here at dawn with me?

I'm the one that comes after - after the reaper. I check the stubble,
I see the sheaves of feeling are in place,
I am the swell that brings no fear,
I am the tear.