Care of the Dying

I have seen light shine
between gaunt
bones
radius and ulna
an old black man
reaches for cup
to slake bitter pain

I have heard rocks
wake in the earth
trembling with
sound of prayer
The Lord is Good! it
becomes true forever
propped in chair
tears in eyes
spirit wholly alive

I have been held in
generous folds
family love like
earth around root
soft moist
a gracious simple
warmth of utter
comfort and peace

all that's left
singing
light peace
comfort at the
end