A Summer Farewell

Sweat and tears
on a sweltering summer
afternoon
Last gasps of a season
I couldn't help the tears
or the sweat
Saying goodbye
You're never ready
even when you
think you are
I gazed upon
your face one last time
and watched you
as they lowered
the casket into
the ground
I watched them shovel
dirt until at last
the hole was filled
and the sodden grass
placed on top
In my dreams
we'll meet again
perhaps
if the gods are kind
I'll see you
at the end of
my days