RITUALS - Worse Than Death

Our beloved left us forever,

Leaving lasting impressions in a few hearts.

The black and white tent was erected.

Melancholy hymns wafted through the air,

Loudly announcing the unexpected departure 

And leaving all in dread of such a day.

Countless flocked soon from far and wide,

Crocodile tears streaming down their cheeks.

Insensitive eyes struggled in shedding.

Hard-earned money was squandered

On superfluous rites the ages followed.

Some believed these would save the soul.

Customs observed in the futile hope of salvation, 

Knowing no reason why following them.

The bereaved eyes were heavily burdened.

Pretense on many photographed faces,

Albums designed to reminisce the obnoxious memories,

But the honest hearts tried to veil the true emotions.

A shameless one fidgeted, urging all to pose for flickers, 

while I stood, watching all the trivial customs 

And pondering what if the dead could react!

Some bustled to and fro, preparing for ceremonies

With no time to spare for the deceased;

Others rumored, oblivious of their impending fate.

Holy men in white attire administered paid-holy service                                                                                   

For the soul’s uninterrupted journey to eternity.

The pious stood blinded reciting psalms zealously, 

Unconscious of what the tongues uttered in unison.

While the dead lay fortunate to have seen nothing

And I stood stumped, despising to die among them.

Irony abounded in what the day had seen.

One leaves empty but treated elegantly,

But I wish the same was done when alive.

The living are left to pay all the debt 

That many aching stomachs well deserved 

Alas! They spent it on feeding customs.

The six-foot dingy cell was unaffordable,

Yet, he enjoys his freedom in the darkness.

Passed he, but they gathered in celebration.

On certain days, as followed by certain customs.

Sorrows remained like bubbles in the air.

And the mockery will continue till the dead return.

                  ******