Goodbye Uncle

Funerals are hard for those too young to understand.

Uncle was friendly, but I was shy.

He is gone, and I don’t know why.

The time we spent together was brief.

I’m only six, unable to understand others grief.

I fidget in my Sunday suit, as my cousins speak

About how great “daddy” was, their voices are meek.

Auntie also tries to say something, but all she can do is cry.

Terrified I approach the coffin, mom says so I can say goodbye.

I mutter something under my breath, when it’s all over I feel relief.

As the years go on my mind expands, and the weight of death gains meaning.

Only now, after all these years do I understand the significance of those words.

“Goodbye Uncle”

Author's Note

A little bit of truth, a little bit of fiction.

Reviews

[Pax]

i also like the flow. nice work

[Serenity Faith]

This piece had a vivid image and nice flow to it. And yes I completely agree, that funerals are too hard for the young to understand. Keep up the good work.

[Arik]

thank you