The conversations are light , informal
an good natured
The chat remains ensconced by death however
No clever remarks could ever thwart the end
The unknown , the proverbial 'waiting just around the
bend' old friend Death
A gathering of well dressed family , laughter ,
recollections , children running , tears ,
a chat with the Pastor , sometimes even a few clandestine beers
We sign the book , offer choice words ,
stare at our watches then silently depart -
when we learn what time the interment starts
Juggling life , work and death
We become 'old hat' with death
Till we take in our own final breath* ....