In the Universe of Adventurous Souls

With help from the pallbearers

Swiss Alps, 1952. From my deceased father’s European collection. Edit by the author.

Six pallbearers,
gracious, balanced
in their strength,
honorable
in their hearts
and noble in spirit.

They lift the casket
by the brass handles,
and volunteer
to cover me
in a shroud of love
and protection,

to carry me
by rail,
lifting my soul
from darkness,
high above the ground
to the chalky clouds.

The six pallbearers
move mountains,
walk me forward
into the next domain
where there is a singular
hum — peace
comes over me,
a white light
radiates with joy.

I am finally here,
in the timeless universe
of adventurous souls
without a worry
of the world.