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