the priest intoned

                         . . . Maw

Quiet.

Maw

Would you be quiet please.

that wasnt a question he knew better than push it

After the ceremony.

he nodded

   following his mothers lead he threw a handful of earth on top the coffin crossed himself followed her over to his aunt hugged and kissed her  he surprised himself he was weeping his aunt embraced himkissed him on the top the head called him a sweet boy for coming to say goodbye

he was the only child at the cemetery

his Maw wouldnt have it any other way

the night before he overheard her tell his Paw Up your nose with a rubber hose.

                                                                                     she was serious

they were speaking sternly

                              He needs to know we die, he’ll die; that is life.

He’s only a boy.

The concept of death is not hard to learn. Better he learn now than later.

He’ll be the only one at church, at the cemetery.

Then he’ll be the only one.

                            It will be the last time he’ll see Ben.

   Okay sweetheart, what was it you wanted to ask?

Ohmygosh I almost forgot

You remember?

I do Thank you

                  I dont understand

What’s that.

The priest said earth to earth ashes to ashes dust to dust

Yes. In sure and certain hope of the Resurrection to eternal life; to live forever in God’s embrace.

Then why did we bury Uncle Ben if hes living forever

   That wasn’t your question, was it?

No No

        Ashes to ashes dust to dust

How does Uncle Ben I kissed him goodbye  how does he turn to ashes turn to dust if hes buried    I dont get it

 

2330,  Monday,  8  1. 24

1151,  Thursday,  11  1. 24