ACCOUNT OF MY DAYS
Sequence: 3
GONE TO HEAVEN
at how many funerals
to what depth of human time
have we pretended
the recipient of our services
would go to heaven?
everyone there
even those weeping
especially those weeping
knows that no reasonable heaven
would ever admit him
or even take a second look
so sorry
you're not on the list
if you keep going down that way though
I'm sure you'll find some place still open
no no
no need to apologize
this happens all the time
meanwhile the mourners stand up
the preacher shakes hands
little groups wander away
over the lengthy field
punctuated with stone
why does no one ever turn to say
tell the truth
him? you really think so?
instead we avoid the subject
a hidden honesty for ourselves alone