We placed our palms upon the casket’s lid.
He used a marker tracing out a place
Where we could write some parting words. We did
The best we could while scrambling for some grace
To honor with farewell one so well-hid.
What words we wrote no readers need to face.
Eventually our hearts will come around
Since all’s still good above and underground.
Linked to dVerse Poetics hosted by Paul with prompt “underground”.
Photo: “Indoor Plant” by the author
I am also linking this to dVerse Form for All that I am hosting. The form is ottava rima.
Great take on the prompt, Frank. A strongly-worded and descriptive piece. Very cool.
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Thank you, Ryan! I am glad you liked it.
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I liked this very much. Is this a true thing…to write on a casket of a loved one? If so, it is a wonderful idea. 🙂
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I agree. If it hasn’t actually been done before, perhaps I’ll be the first. 🙂
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I have only experienced it once. I think it is a good idea as well. It is a very memorable experience. I wish I knew they were going to do that, I would have thought of something more interesting to write.
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Yes, that is what we did last Monday for my aunt’s funeral at the end of the service at the grave site.
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So beautiful. He was sent off with love, one can tell. I especially love the all is well at the closing.
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Thank you, Sherry! All is good and well. I am glad you liked the ending.
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What a novel idea, to send a note along with the loved one to the great what-comes-after. A cathartic process, no doubt, and gratefully all is good!
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I was surprised when I saw the immediate family invited to write on the casket and I was glad the rest of us, friends and extended family, were allowed to do so afterwards. It was cathartic.
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Beautifully done.
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Thank you, Imelda!
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I am not mature enough to understand this completely but I liked what I understood.
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I may not be either. I am glad you liked what you understood. Thank you!
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I actually like the idea to be able to write on a casket of a loved one! Great poetry as always!
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Thanks, Bel! It is a way to express a final goodbye like extending one’s hand to a person as they leave for a journey.
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“All’s still good above and underground.” I love that! The idea that there is closure at the passing of a loved one, and fond memories, some formed right there at the casket. That’s the way I want to go when it’s my turn.
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Me, too! I am glad you liked it, Angela!
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A deep and moving write with a beautiful rhythm to it
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Thank you, Xenia!
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I relate a lot this poem. Especially the opening lines.
I too, have lost someone last month ago. 😦
I posted the poem on my blog. Stop by.
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We both have lost a close relative. Best wishes!
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A lovely example of Ottava Rima… 🙂 the idea of writing your parting on a casket sounds like a perfect idea, much better than flowers.
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Thanks, Björn! There were flowers as well, but leaving the farewell message in the hand trace was better than the flowers.
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And I did identify the form…
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Worth the wait Frank. A truly beautiful response to the prompt. Thank You.
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I am glad you liked it, Paul! I almost didn’t know how to finish it.
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Beautiful write.
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Thank you, Lynn!
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What a fantastic way to say goodbye
And you grabbed that in such a gripping poem! Wow this is good!
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It was unusual for me as well. I am glad you liked it!
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That’s a great idea, send your farewells off with the deceased. Great write too
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Thank you, Walter! I wonder if this practice is done elsewhere?
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I can start it, but It’s kind of a permanent last request
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A lovely poem, Frank. Well-paced and beautiful.
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Thank you, Ronnie!
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Beautifully done.
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Thank you, Eugenia!
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What a wonderful idea. I would have liked to have written on my mother’s casket, even though she was cremated. I love the measure pace of your ottava rima, Frank, like walking behind a casket. You’ve even included the word ‘underground’ fro Paul’s prompt 🙂
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I used this poem for both Paul’s prompt and my own. I liked tracing the hand on the casket. It is like putting one’s hand on a person’s shoulder wishing them well on their journey.
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Oops! I didn’t read that far on Tuesday.
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No problem. I find it hard to read all the poems. I miss a lot of them.
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Well put, well said–beyond the testimonial; a novel & creative act. Beware though, or Hallmark will get involved and commercialize this.
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I wouldn’t mind, it if gives people pleasure. Thanks, Glenn!
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I love the idea of sending our loved ones to their final resting piece with messages from those who will miss them. I wish this could have been so at my brother’s funeral many many years ago. A wonderful response to this challenging prompt.
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After seeing this, I wished it were done at all the funerals I have attended over the years. Thanks, Lillian!
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I was fascinated with the idea of writing on the casket, as is everyone. I know many who have tucked messages in the casket, but this is a unique idea. We’re often left with words unsaid when we lose a loved one. This is an opportunity to say them. I suspect it’s quite cathartic. Great write!
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I have seen people tuck messages or small objects in a casket prior to it being sealed also. This is a more communal way for everyone to touch the casket together and write some final words.
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great prompt, and great response as well! Now I am curious as to the words written!
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What many people, including myself, wrote were words like “I love you, grandma” or I will miss you, mother”. A few wrote longer messages.
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The use of the word ‘palms’ is interesting – leads your reader in multiple directions. Well done!
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I hadn’t noticed that before, but I think you are right. Palms is a better word than hands. The whole hand, with spread fingers was traced, but the palm mainly touched the casket. It reminded me of those prehistoric cave paintings where one could see the hands with spread fingers painted on the walls of the cave.
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Palms also have the allusion to the biblical Palm Sunday story which is about impending death. Works on so many levels.
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I see what you were referring to, Jilly. That makes sense as well. My Aunt’s family is Methodist. The next time I see my cousin, I’ll ask him about it. I didn’t think about getting more information about it at the time.
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this was very touching and beautifully rhymed, I imagined that at a time to be at a loss for words, writing something or even drawing a palm print on that casket conveys the deep emotions.
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I wasn’t expecting to do something like that and so I didn’t know what to write. What I wrote were simple words about loving and missing my aunt. Nothing more. Just placing the palm on the casket while it was outlined was powerful enough for me.
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Very sweet idea for a parting gift and I love your last line, which is a reassuring thought to remember in a time of grief.
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Thank you! I am glad you liked that last line. I wasn’t sure how to end it.
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Bravo Frank – and double prompts too !
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Thanks, Candy! That I used the same poem for both prompts was more a sign of running out of ideas on my part. Sometimes I look at a prompt, even my own prompt, and I have my doubts that I will be able to find anything to say.
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Beautifully written.
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Thank you, Rosemary!
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I like this, Frank. Gentle and understated. It reminds me of when we buried my father-in-law and the children wanted to put things in the coffin with he that he might like ‘afterwards’. The undertaker didn’t like it much but tolerated a few of his personal objects. He drew the line when our second child (she was five years old) slipped a packet of his favourite mints in his jacket pocket. Seemed to think it was inappropriate.
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Just the thought of your five-year-old slipping those mints in his pocket is a nice memory and one I now won’t forget. However, you may have to remind her of that when she gets older. Thanks, Jane!
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I will! She has a whole fund of similar stories attached to her. She was that kind of a kid.
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Very beatiful! I loved it!!
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Thank you! I’m glad you liked it!
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Happy to be nominating you 🙂
https://despiseroffrivolity.wordpress.com/
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Thank you very much! I will be travelling this coming week but I will try to prepare a post accepting it by the end of next week.
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A poem that has a story seed cradled within.
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Yes, there is the seed of a story there. Thanks, Charley!
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A moment so true and well related
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Thank you!
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What a good idea to leave your words on the casket. This fit the prompt just perfectly. I wonder if notes put in with the casket would be as meaningful..I don’t think so.
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I think they would be just as good, but normally only the very closest relatives would do that. Here even the extended family were allowed to write something and leave it with her. Thanks, Kathy!
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Eventually our hearts will come around
Since all’s still good above and underground.
One could only remember the good while our loved ones were around and to record good memories of them when they were gone! That should be the case. Very wise words Frank!
Hank
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Thanks, Hank! I figure at some level it is all good.
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A poignant piece because of a deceptive simplicity. I love the idea of writing on the coffin and handprints are one of the oldest remaining testimonies to human presence. A lovely send off for your aunt, Frank. I am sorry for your family’s loss.
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Thanks, Sue! She was a happy and much-loved aunt. You are right about hand prints. They are in prehistoric cave paintings. I was thinking of those cave paintings as we outlined our hands on the casket.
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I see you’ve gone for a sad theme too. Your poem has a very dignified tone.
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Sometimes sad themes are just there to write about. Thanks, Diana!
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Beautifully written Frank. I was certainly moved.
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Thank you, Mary! I am glad you liked it!
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SigNaturE
oF A SoUL
Given and
ShaRed letters
of words touch
iN pAlms oF LoVe LiGht
CaskET or heArt.. asheS and duST
Force
LiVeS oN
as syNerGy uS..
Best Wishes for the
Love of your Aunt’s
Memories.. my FriEnd.. Frank..
As all
Love
is
MeMory NoW..
No distance
space or time..
MeMory LiVes LoVe NoW..aLwAys aLive..:)
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Thank you, Fred. I agree that memory lives love now.
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Thanks to
You too.. Frank..
See ya soon on
Your new poetry.. too..:)
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