It was 16 years ago today
K.F. drowned in mysterious circumstances
Abroad somewhere - only age 24
You were with us on work experience K.F.
For a while after you had left school
Talented and bright he was
Lots of potential for his life ahead
A lovely funeral service
But then terrible grief afterwards
I sensed a dark atmosphere
Greif like I'd hardly known before
Though I'd experienced grief at other funerals before
But unfriendly too
Not appropriate to make chit-chat
I did not know K.F's family
Though they were from a 'rougher' area of town
So I left them there in their private grief
But it was horrible
A sense of hopelessness
No sense of hope, no spark of faith?
Like a black cloud descending
Though we all sang the hymns
Including the full version of 'Abide with me'
I could fool myself into thinking
'A lovely, faith-full, hopeful' funeral service
But there it is.... as is said:
Just cos people are in church
It doesn't automatically mean they all believe....
Similar to:
Just cos one is in a garage
It doesn't mean one is a car, bicycle, motorbike, etc!
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Author:
orchidee (
Offline) - Published: August 25th, 2023 01:51
- Comment from author about the poem: I admit I'm naive at times, believing, or thinking, or assuming, that everyone who is in a church is a Christian believer. I can't trace a full version of 'Abide with me' with its 8 verses.
- Category: Reflection
- Views: 6
Offline)
Comments6
On a lighter note, if I get annoyed with KP, and if she's in the garage, I say: 'You car, you'. or 'You bike, you'!
Fido has substituted some words in this comment for me. lol.
I could make a bad joke but won't.
It cuts both ways not all outside are doomed.
Thanks 2.
Emotive words Orchi.
Andy
Thanks Gold.
I really enjoyed this one! You never know....until you look deep. Can't assume!! This reminds me of my church days! Thank you for sharing!
Thanks Liz. Some churches - or some people in them at least - can become 'The Firm' - do what we say, or else!
Oh trust me, I know a lot about that!
Not all places are like that. But I left one place partly because it was money-mad. Then I heard in an online talk/sermon: 'We're in a lot of debt now, you know' Then the cliche(?) but true - 'The Lord will provide'. With them it will be 'Yep, out of your pockets, congregation!'
🤣🤣 I know I probably shouldn't laugh at that. But honestly, I can relate, and that phrase "The Lord will provide" is so misused! Not all churches are like that...You're right about that!
Ohh, what hymns will I have when I depart? The same ones as I had when I married KP! Nice 'heavy', gloomy type ones. lol. I'll shed a tear when she departs - only one, mind ya. lol.
Well, if this is not overdoing it, I dunno what is - the 'monthly giving' page is always the first page on one church website.
It\\\'s naughty of me to mock, saying 'Bit down on the takings last month, were ya?; pass the hat round again!' lol. You got any dough (cash) for 'em?
🤣🤣🤣🤣 pass the hat!!! I cannot! LOL Actually, I know a lot of Nice 'heavy', gloomy type ones...but in Spanish 😆
Oh lol, one place got 'keen' - passed literal hat around TWICE in the same service! Now that's being silly, if we've already given to the first hat.
Looks like on that very sad day everyone looked up with open hearts for the words that could mend…Thank you for sharing O
Thanks P. I will hardly forget that nasty negative atmosphere after the funeral.
I can imagine! That’s why I never stay for the ‘chit chat’ I feel that it takes away from everything important…
Ye it was not even 'distracting 'chit-chat' really. The people were grieving, but no need to be hostile, and say 'Who are you; we don't know you; go away', even after I had explained how I knew K.F. That's just plain rude, I say. i was about the only person who did not wear black there.
This is a sad story.Funerals can be difficult. Church has nothing to do with religion.Well written.
Thanks D.
A funeral, for one so young, is hard to bear, and the depth of grief has so many levels. I think, for those whose faith is strong, there is comfort in remembrance, where others perhaps find only continued pain. You are such a good Orchi, God bless my friend
Thanks Bella.
I will never know - mysterious circumstances abroad.
Nope, not a typo - not KF instead of KP, though I won't go as far as saying 'pop your clogs KP'!
Remember that mad thing? She's gonna be buried cos..... a bit swoony to recall my poem. lol.
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