LAST GOODBYE

All somber, those who stand around
this wound cut deep into the ground
beside a box so square and stout
as if they fear you might get out
but from the casket there's no sound

The preacher murmurs on unheard
my attention's fixed upon a bird
a hawk soaring nearly out of sight
within a sky so clear and bright
as if nothing special had occurred

I was there at your final breath
that final battle fought with death
when you left to join old friends
where we all go when short life ends
that ending to the long foot path

Time to wipe a final tear
and though I hold you to be dear
I'll linger here for but a while
remembering your happy smile
but I'll not return, for you're not here