After

We have done all the things you

would have liked us to do.

Your brother has been across the country and back

to fetch your comfortable shoes.

We have dressed you in your good wedding suit

and the ironed shirt. Someone has combed your hair.

This is exactly as I wanted it, you will say,

after the tributes have been paid,

when the organ has been played

and the hymns have been sung,

when we have told all your jokes

and the well-wishers have gone,

Exactly, you will say

when you are done with dying,

when you come back home.