I Am Not Sleeping

I don’t want any of that

‘We’re gathered here today

to celebrate his life, not mourn his passing.’

Oh yes you are. Get one thing straight,

you’re not here to celebrate

but to mourn until it hurts.

I want wailing and gnashing of teeth.

I want sobs, and I want them

uncontrollable. I want women

flinging themselves on the coffin

and I want them inconsolable.

Don’t dwell on my past but on your future.

For what you see is what you’ll be

and sooner than you think.

So get weeping. Fill yourselves with dread.

For I am not sleeping. I am dead.