Not what was written (The Funeral)

Update: 24/02/20....mum died roughly 6 months after this written. Would be good to read , " No flowers, fair weather friends or God" straight after reading this :)

He looked up from his prepared words
a sea of faces returning his gaze, he smiled.
Even though he knew his first line by heart,

" on behalf of mum I'd like to thank you all for coming today "

he glanced down again and stared at his badly written eulogy,
breathing slowly, deeply, composing himself.

An image of her came to his mind.
She was sitting, as always, in her favourite chair,
her mobile table come walker pulled over her lap.
Atop this lay various pills, a pen, reading glasses,
tissues, extra strong mints and an old envelope,
on the back of which grocery items written with an unsteady hand.
A half cup of luke warm tea completed the jumble.
Below this on a lower shelf lay her handbag,
cards for birthdays, anniversaries, christmas,
and that days newspaper, opened to reveal a half started number puzzle.

They chatted about this and that
whilst he emptied bins, tidied the kitchen,
sorted the fridge, removing out of date milk, meat,
and over sugared desserts,
these over the years having put paid to most of her teeth.
He was only her second visitor that week she told him,
and most probably her last, though this not said,
which was a sad reflection on both her family and so called friends priorities,
but she understood folk were busy and had their own lives to live.

He smiled again, cleared his throat,

" I think mum would have found it amusing, ironic even,
that so many of you have taken the time to come see her today,
be it in death,
as few, if any of you, ever crossed the WELCOME mat at her front door whilst she was living......... "

Author's Note

Struggled with the title
I am the third of seven children raised by mum on her own. The others seldom visit her leaving all responsibility for her welfare, needs, to my niece and me.
So, the above was born :))
Mum is still alive and kicking

Mum has since passed away....09/04/19

Reviews

[Starbuck]

I appreciate how sincere and unflinching this is. The imagery is remarkably clear and poignant as well. Thanks for sharing such a personal piece of yourself.

[Gee]

Thank you for reading and commenting

[Simba]

It's hard for whatever reasons the responsibility falls on you. My brother's don't speak to my mum because of the mistakes she made when we were kids but she was just as much of a victim too. Hopefully they'll reach out an olive branch.

[Gee]

Hopefully. The least I can do is pop in and do my but after all of her sacrifices.
Thanks for having a butchers and commenting

[Julie McCarthy (juliesp..]

this was beautiful i loved it brought tears to my eyes ive lost both parents mum nearly 4 years ago and dad 25 years ago. I miss them so . I loved your poem enjoy your mum whiles shes here you are wonderful to her i can tell x

[Gee]

So sorry for the loss of both parents.....little thought ever given to adult orphans methinks.
Thank you Julie, hope you are well.

[Julie McCarthy (juliespenhere)]

well enough thankyou same to you hope you are too

[Relic]

I am a caregiver for my father. He gets no visitors being they're all as old and feeble as he. What a shame that we seem to fade away as we get older not only in mobility and mind but in friendships.

It's good you wrote this. We will more than likely all be in her place someday.

[Gee]

I tip my hat to ya for looking after your old fella.
Thanks for having a read and commenting, appreciated

[angel]

That guy is my hero! He tells the truth without flinching.
Splendid write, Gee.

[Gee]

Thank you Angel

[barleygirl]

I like the title . . . it pulls me in. There's nothing that brings out the strife in a family like the death of a loved one. You've painted this in an unusual way, fresh & compelling, yet delivering a common gripe in families. The care of a parent often ends up on one sibling, as you describe, & I don't blame you for changing that first line a bit, being more honest. I'm glad to hear this is just an imaginary funeral! (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[Gee]

Hi Margie, mum still alive and well. Would love to have the balls to read this when she does tootle off.
Hope you are well.
Thank you

[barleygirl]

That's what I love about writing . . . I get to say it any way I want to! *wink! wink!*

[Mrudula Rani]

I am sure your mom appreciates your visits very much, dear Gee. I am glad she has one wonderful, kind, and loving son, who is worth a treasure. Heart wrenchingly beautiful writing! I hope all is well with you and your lovely family Gee.

[Gee]

Hi Mrudula, all is well thank you as is mum. Never fails to amaze me how folk can be so selfish and self absorbed.
Thank you.

[Gee]

Oops, how very rude of me. Hope you and yours are all well :)))

[Mrudula Rani]

We are all doing well, dear. Thank you.

[Beccy]

A sad truth for so many who are left to while away their last years in relative loneliness. This world of ours is too busy and becoming busier by the day; though that is no real excuse!

Beccy.

[Gee]

No excuse at all.
Thank you Beccy

[Phill Oz O'fee]

Brilliant - love the 'Coup de Gras' final stanzas aimed at the hypocrites in their moment of false support. Your piece reflects a not so uncommon trend today; where only 'second thoughts' are sometimes turned into actions of support … well penned my friend … :-)

[Gee]

Thank you Phil.

[Wild Rose]

Yes once retired many sit at home with a few visitors - perhaps a care worked - arrive get on with their chores and away 'See you next week'
family 'thank you for calling; you are so busy'

At the funeral so many come to pay respects - Who were they???

[Gee]

Thank you...