Bamboo Shoots Submission for Year of the Dragon
Eternment
The shadow of the monkeypod tree felt cool
as it embraced the wilting pallbearers
bowed in the afternoon sun
Palekaiko and anthurium dressed the casket,
temporary furniture blessed by the robed monotone
guessing at her past and her future
She was neither seen nor heard,
deposited into assisted dying, family shame
bringing her wake to life, with those present
Deaf to her closing days, a lonely struggle
of spirit, fear, regret and hope
of beauty in the dark, pleasant cradle
of eternity
Like the use of "bowed" since it can relate to the heat, respect, or both. And, it sounds like bough which relates back to the tree both in terms of the tree's structure and shadow gesture (bowing toward the pallbearers to "embrace" them). Also like the word choice "deposited".
Rhonda, thank you for your kind comments. I always appreciate any feedback.