Still Roses

I wrote a lot of poetry when I started working at the funeral home. I felt overwhelmed by grief and tenderness for the people I worked with. I got into making slideshows because I got to make the memorial videos for the families. But every day in the break room I'd write something for the people I helped take care of on a little notepad I kept in my purse. For some reason this poem was always my mom's favorite of mine. I guess I felt like by the time people got to us they were already in heaven. I think all people go to heaven, just what I like to believe. Thanks.

​​​​​​There are no ghosts here,
for there is no pain.

Their crises commenced long ago
And elsewhere. They have already
Found their way, they require
No direction or music of bells
From me.

No smiles or movement
Shiver among these still roses.
There is only a gentle tranquility,
A tenuous serenity without Melody

As when somebody coughs 
Under water.