Elegy for Mary

So old and sick she was -- tell grief to take
itself off someplace else, somewhere a child
has died. We need not grieve for her; no fake
commiserations please. They say she smiled
as death came in and took her hand.. and well
she might, for leaving here would be a sweet
relief. It’s mad that manners should compel
these less-than-stricken mourners to retreat
behind their sad-faced masks. Let’s dance! Let’s sing!
Be glad she’s moved along. And if your woe
is for the Mary that you knew, all zing
and zest for life -- well, she died years ago.

Three cheers for Mary -- on her way at last,
you know she’ll find the Other Side's a blast.