RECEPTION OF THE BODY

Cosmic Timetraveler

The following form may be used at whatever time the body is brought to the church.

There you are, sitting on the desk. 
They brought you in without calling ahead, 
and all the clergy were at lunch. 

I balance the box and the book, thumb through the pages. 

Squint at Sharpie scrawl.
No one ever called you that. 
When did you get your nickname?

Processional muscle memory: 
gauge the steps to the sacristy,
slow my pace to match the words,
shift you in the crook of my arm. 

Always sitting on the lectern side, eight rows back, navy suit,
you kneel
you knelt
for the prayers.

There you are, the heft of you 
dressed in plastic and cardboard. 

I saw your hands on the rail
(so many nicks and bruises on taut skin)
dipped my thumb, 
made a cross, 
and whispered,
“Remember that you are dust
and to dust you shall return.”
Shouldn’t be too long now.

Silence is kept; after which the celebrant says

Remember them, Lord, in your mercy.
Remember me, Lord, in your mercy.
Remember him Lord, in your mercy.