Mysterious Mourner Poem

I love the randomness of poetic sparks. I embrace them with enthusiasm. They are a vital life source for poets. 

This idea burst upon the scene while scanning through my twitter (X) feed earlier this week.  Social media can be mirky water to navigate, but if we move quickly past the toxic waste, there is treasure to be found. 

I came across an extensive rolling conversation where contributors were suggesting possible scenarios for a funeral. Humour and quirky darkness kept me engaged. The inventiveness of the contributions was most evident. Brainstorming at its best. Ideas dripping with potential.

So what has emerged from my reading that day is partly found poetry further enhanced by improvisation on text and woven into a brand new poem.

I could not have foretold what would spark my poetic juices that day, but that twitter feed has sparked a poem. I am most pleased to have composed this rather subversive ode to wicked intrigue. It reminds me that we must remain open to possibility at all times...

Mysterious Mourner At A Funeral

I declare I am available for hire

to stand mysteriously

Beside an ancient tree

A short, yet discreet distance from your graveside gathering

I shall carry an umbrella of understated tones

I shall don dark glasses and wear a long black trench coat

And stand spy like 

To add to the intrigue felt by those

Gathered around your casket.

Swirls of mist 

Would heighten the atmospherics

No doubt.

I will steadfastly resist the temptation to place some curious keepsake

On your grave

-for fear it may provoke unwanted questions 

from the grieving congregation.

I could later mingle among the mourners

Hovering on the fringes while using a hushed voice

To utter

Suitably cryptic things to your friends and family

Things like-his life was much like an iceberg, so many secret lie submerged…

Before wandering off and catching a passing bus.

This could be your last laugh

-Your parting gesture...

Let me know if you are interested in taking up this offer.

Alan j Wright

It is Poetry Friday and this week our host is Tricia at The Miss Rumphius Effect. Tricia's post presents a pantoum poem about her dog, Cooper.