GRAVE GUEST

GRAVE GUEST

Church bells paced deliberate a funeral procession wide

A simple coffin wraps a nun In music muffed inside

Prepared prayer seeks a pardon, free clearance at Heaven’s gate

Forgiveness for a humble one, Love’s music apostleate

Pipe organ peals a requiem, temple masses prayed

For Charity who lived God’s love wheeled in cavalcade

The bier ends from the carriage to her final resting place

Departing absolution, requests Amazing Grace

Family and friends fade away, rite respects now paid

Charity is lowered in new ground, as a sweetest song is made

On lofty branch a cardinal warbles notes to sing

A last farewell as earth fell on Charity’s remembering

Poem by

Imelda Dickinson

September 29, 1985