“Breaths Between Tears”

At a great-uncle’s funeral

a man was brought to tears

choking on memories

that were all sweet

so sweet underneath his tough exterior and toupee

my grandmother wept as quietly as she could

but her shoulders kept shaking

and her breaths between tears, rapid

Another friend of the departed

a teacher, like me

was less nervous to speak to the crowed

even less nervous than the actual preacher conducting the service

a joke was cracked as soon as he approached the podium

and I was instantly hooked as he narrated the past

stories that felt more human

than glorified fairytales

acknowledging the simplicity of a life

the ignored moments that bring true bliss

like a road trip with childhood friends

an Easter egg hunt turned sour

and a small glance of a notorious smile

the teacher’s words were organic and timely

I think many appreciated that

The same day a few hours earlier

a student asked while I was leaving

if they could accompany me to the funeral

if he could escape class for the day

which seemed ridiculous at first

but now I see maybe

he could have learned a thing or two

from an old man’s life celebration