After a long, very long day

The night comes

Elopes with the breath

Bids farewell to the poor body

It ceases taking care of itself

It’s another man’s job

Upon exit

Eulogy becomes the reigning song

“He’s nice! It shouldn’t be him”

Who should it be?

Their eyes grow misty

…The priest would say

No amount of tears can revive him

You cannot survive without him

Here’s the best time to let him know;

Go with him!

This message like a knob

Turns down the volume of their ear-splitting squall

Squall borne out of fear

Fear, they’ll wear his shoes someday

To every man

It remains a lump of gristle

Not to be cherished

Like a tantalising meal of no blemish

Cherish?

A man appears in his ceremonial outfit;

Sprawl in a glorified box

Get compliment, salutes from folks

Mute he is

Six feet below the surface of the soil

Descended into a one-man apartment

Dust to dust…they’ll say

Adieu, off they go

Ever wondered the shades of birth and death

This moment he came

Celebrated like he’s immortal

Another we see him scud

Form our illusions and dreams

He’s only paying his debt before us

Alas! We shall not always be here.