Final good-byes rarely are
I have buried many a soul
precious to me
solemnly, sorrowfully
humorously
some with great relief
many a complete surprise
I have uttered public words of
farewell, regret, remembrance
tossed flowers, clods of earth,
remorse and thank-yous
atop bronze cocoons
said farewell never meaning or
believing it; til-we-meet-agains
with more doubt than certainty
Death is the rude party guest
who blithely interrupts then
monopolizes every conversation
the caller you never invite
again but who always shows up
anyway because there is always
one in every crowd
Ponderable polemics, poetic 