Two Doors Down

she died on Sunday morning
for three days and nights
they broadcast their lament
loudspeaker strapped to a palm tree
two doors down from here

relatives and neighbours
met, sat, ate, drank and talked
under the temporary canopy
holding the gestures of sympathy
fitting for such a loss

my culture is different
we do grief in a 1-hour service
hiding behind our sunglasses
unsure of what to say
hoping maybe tomorrow we'll feel better

I'd rather she lived-
surely even a weak life beats the best farewell?
I've still got lots to say
about life eternal and healing in this one
but right now her body is gone and it's quiet