This and That – The Sting of Death.

Funerals are never easy. The grieving family stands before the open casket, their loved one seemingly asleep but lifeless to the eye and cold to the touch. Friends and loved ones gather. Handshakes and hugs abound. The Pastor gives a touching eulogy. Loving remembrances are heard. Soaring songs are sung. Tears flow. Sobs resound. Then the casket’s rolled to the hearse. The funeral ends. And life goes on. Sitting today at the funeral of a dear friend, my second funeral in a week, I was touched by a poem recited at one of them. It was written by Christina Rossetti.

————————Miss me — But Let Me Go———————-

When I come to the end of the road

And the sun has set on me.

I want no rites in a gloom-filled room,

Why cry for a soul set free?

Miss me a little…but not too long.

And not with your head bowed low.

Remember the love we once shared,

Miss me but let me go.

For this is a journey we all must take,

And each must go alone.

It’s all part of the Master’s plan,

A step on the road to Home

When you are lonely and sick at heart,

Go to the friends we know.

And bury your sorrows in doing good deeds,

Miss me but let me go!

(Originally published July 27, 2023)