The small cardboard box, collaged artfully by a niece -enclosed the last of Joe, his large bones crushed to ash. Words spoken by his sister, his nephew, reflected on his keen memory for dates and places, travel, family history, and his love and insistence for piping hot coffee. Under the oaks and next to his parents’ grave, the few gathered to remember him in spite of his refusal to leave clues regarding his final wishes. According to those in attendance, he was a strange, lonely, blind, bachelor boy-man. He taught a tolerance for difference and compassion to some. They remembered him sour, with his sweetness buried deep. All in all, the event could be framed a success. Ultra green by today’s standards. He’ll rest at his Mother’s side. Most appropriate. Excellent choice, they all agreed.
Early Morning Poems 