the burial

i lie

down in the open field.

i am alone

despite the gathering

around me.

the field is wide

and green.

i hear the wind

move

between the trees.

i could lie here

forever

if they'd let me.

i listen to all the words

spoken,

to all the music

that fills my ears.

i smell the earth

around me.

i can almost touch

the hands

and tears of those

i've known.

i'm alone.

but at last there is no fear.