E L E M E N T S

i. earth

Umber eyes on the dark wood of the coffin. Simple, practical, like the man within.

She sniffs beside him, her handkerchief drenched in tears and salty rainwater. The quiet, gentle words of a somber priest are deafening today.

- ashes to ashes, dust to dust

The roses are thrown

- stupid man, meaningless words for an atheist

Umber eyes quiver; he trembles. His father's hand on his shoulder. He bites his lip so hard, he tastes warm blood.

Oh, what a man must do to keep from laughing.