Lying in Repose

Mortician’s made the arrangements
presenting what was left,
of the flesh that was the man
who lived his life bereft.

Deception played the leading role
in his every action.
Truth and honesty had waned,
they were to him distraction.

No one new the real person
now found inside the coffin.
A trail of broken promises,
disappointments were quite often.

Great moneys paid to have a priest
say something nice and kind.
The man of God gave epitaph,
salutations unconfined.

Empty words were left aloof
deaf ears ignored their meaning.
Those who came had to accept
a falsified convening.

Prevaricators must accept
“man reaps from which he sows”.
Nothing changed for there he was
still lying in repose.

fake affection all around

Sad subject ron, I think what is really sad is when a person doesn't believe in his capacity to change. I suppose sadder still is the person who doesn't care. I am in awe of your ability to rhyme and tackle a painful subject. It's a gift I wish I had. raskin

I do not look forward

to the death of someone in my family which I am in the grips of if I should attend or not. I fear that this poem will be the case for him and for all who attend. You hit the nail on the head " fake affection all around". Raskin the older I get the more empathy I seem to get making it hard to keep up the "wall". There were those in my life that treated me so unkind when I was down and out. I told myself "one day the tables will be turned". The day has come and I couldn't let the rotation occur because I didn't want anyone else to go thru what I went thru. Same with this funeral, dead is dead, but I can't allow the resentments to eat me up nor will I cohort with everyone else. Thanks Raskin for reading and your very kind words, sorry for my rant .

:(
ron

"It ain't what they call you, it's what you answer to." W.C. Fields

http://cdn.pitchfork.com/images/original/42363.biffyclyro.JPG

Forgiveness

is a spiritual gift. I think redemption comes from within us through forgiveness. All I have is myself to offer anyone, forgiveness of another lightens my burden. It's not always easy especially when you have been deeply hurt. Another thought provoking one, I always like those. raskin

I have stopped praying for happiness

because I have come to learn that happiness is a by-product of doing the next right thing like forgiving someone. I don't search for happiness, I ask for the direction to be right with the world and myself. Happiness shows up then. Forgiveness does lighten the load. You are a very wise woman Raskin :)

"It ain't what they call you, it's what you answer to." W.C. Fields

http://cdn.pitchfork.com/images/original/42363.biffyclyro.JPG

Learning the hard way

is my way. Fortunately I have a sense of humor. If I'm content for part of the day that's good. Then it's a good day. raskin

life

The subject matter in this piece makes me think of how short life is and how we should make the most of it and treat others with respect. Very thoughtful and real write, Ron. Gotta always remember the clock doesn't stop ticking.

Time waits for no man

Life on life's terms is what is on my plate every single day. I keep it in the day because yesterday's gone and tomorrow is an illusion. I try to live life to the fullest because you are so right Neo, life is short tick tick tick Thanks buddy for reading and commenting

ron

"It ain't what they call you, it's what you answer to." W.C. Fields

http://cdn.pitchfork.com/images/original/42363.biffyclyro.JPG

~Shelter Me O' God~

Ron,

"Shelter me o' God, hide me in the shadow of your wings, You alone are my hope."

Beautiful poetry, difficult time...peace be with you and your family.

Warm regards,

Kathy

Hi Kathy

I do take refuge in my higher power and trust He will take care of me "When All is Said and Done" ( a poem I wrote about my end. . I wrote "Lying in Repose" about a difficult time and a difficult person. The person is a liar his whole life. The words that will be said of him I am sure will be a lie. I never really knew him nor will ever, sorry to say. I used a play on words with this poem " Lying in Repose" doesn't mean he is laying down in the coffin but that even now in death he is still lying ( being a liar) while in repose hence that last sentence

"Nothing changed for there he was still lying in repose."

Its a shame thats how it is and how it has to be :(

Thanks Kathy so very much for reading and commenting ........

Always
Ron

"It ain't what they call you, it's what you answer to." W.C. Fields

http://cdn.pitchfork.com/images/original/42363.biffyclyro.JPG

Makes me feel

that sort of sense where you give up trying to change something because the quiet realisation kicks in and you know there's nothing in your power you can do to stop it from happening. A true write Ron, just like the end of a life-take care buddy :) ♥

It is what it is

Control of others is an illusion, all I can do is be the best I can be and hope for the best in the end. Thanks Jewel for reading and commenting

:)
ron

"It ain't what they call you, it's what you answer to." W.C. Fields

http://cdn.pitchfork.com/images/original/42363.biffyclyro.JPG

It is what it is

Control of others is an illusion, all I can do is be the best I can be and hope for the best in the end. Thanks Jewel for reading and commenting

:)
ron

"It ain't what they call you, it's what you answer to." W.C. Fields

http://cdn.pitchfork.com/images/original/42363.biffyclyro.JPG

added months later..

This is a wonderful poem, all the more so due to the rigors of rhyme. A poem written by a mature soul, who having settled into his words comfortably, like a favourite armchair, delivers a consistency of thought and feeling, which one would like to attribute to that certain ripening which only time can bring.

Better late than never :)

Ma-Li , what gracious words , my many many thanks," the favorite armchair " is indeed a comfortable place to be when writing. Your insight flatters me and is well received.

Best Regards
Ron

"It ain't what they call you, it's what you answer to." W.C. Fields

http://cdn.pitchfork.com/images/original/42363.biffyclyro.JPG

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