Joe

I wake, my eyes and head are heavy from the confusing dreams I’ve had. The funeral is over, Joe has been buried.
 I care about so few men that when one of my good friends die I am at real loss. I don’t feel great sadness, I will go on OK but the time is heavy.
After Joe had his heart attack two years ago he became more withdrawn, I spent a lot of time with him then, supporting him whilst he rehabilitated. Still he was very sick a lot of the time, withdrawing so no one could see. And that’s where I feel the sense of loss, loss that he did not share with me his time of sickness. I could only be there to say a last goodbye.
Joe was born 30.8.1953 and died 9.1.2014, just a little over 60 years of age.
As was fitting for a simple man the music that filled the chapel was 1960’s pop, ‘Don’t fall in love with a dreamer’, ‘Logical’, ‘Take it easy;, ‘True Blue’. ‘Words’, ‘Wish you were here’ and ‘Acid Rain’.
The roar of three Harley Davidson Motor cycles filled the air as they escorted the hearse up to the chapel. The slow sad procession carried the coffin into the chapel, his nephews carrying it.
The funeral celebrant welcome everyone with words of condolence and then went on to read the history of his life much of which I did not know. His nephew, a big man dressed in motorcycle clothes paid tribute to his life. After the song ‘Words’ any other tributes were called for. I rose and walked to the rostrum, my heart beating, hoping I could control my emotions and read.
 
 
 
 
Joe
You’re are a friend that has touched me,
with the brush strokes of your life.
And you have left a canvas multi hued,
softening the Autumn of my life.
Gone, the garish splashes,
screaming out to those around.
You’re a friend that has painted me in pastels.
Autumn fields of golden brown.
Gentle rolling hills;
soft, with verdant green.
The orange red of sunset,
of Earth red ochre, pleasing to be seen.
Lying by the canvas, brushes,
paints and palette.
Waiting, for you to come again.
You are the artist,
on the canvas of my life.
Joe
You are my friend.
<span style="font-size: large”>