I have another funeral to attend.
|
He wasn’t anyone close as such,
More an acquaintance than a friend.
|
Since 1947, we’d met occasionally,
Then lost touch for regimes on end.
|
Each time he’d fare worse than before
While seeming to be on the mend.
|
Attacks on his constitution though
Lowered his resistance until, weakened,
|
This year again his body politic
Succumbed, unable to contend.
|
How often must we bury Democracy?
How much time on mourning spend?
|
Can we afford repetitive funerals?
A death should be terminal, not a trend!
|
Practised in my grief by now,
Tearlessly, dry condolences I extend.
|
Hand me that used wreath again.
I have another funeral to attend.
|
[Unpublished.] |
