The Wake

It is lonely in here

even though the house is full.

People grab you by the hand

and give it a pull.

Condolences are offered

that make you feel awkward.

Gratitude returned

to those concerned.

Numerous faces

that look out-of-place,

you hold yourself together

and pray for some grace.

Stories told

of him in his youth,

but he’s not here

to tell you the truth.

Drink is consumed

as if there’s a drought,

he would have enjoyed that

without any doubt.

Hours have passed

and the house is now empty.

You look at the food

of which there is plenty.

Pick up a sandwich

and take a small bite

something in there

doesn’t taste right.

You place it back down

and head for the hall

when all of a sudden

it comes to call.

Your knees get weak

and you start to weep,

the sorrow is released

that you had stored deep.

Now on your own

you wail and you moan,

the father you love

will never come home.