Leaving the Family

That he was leaving showed now in his eyes;
he sought to make it easier for us –
the time was right, he'd set his mind to go.

He had explained it thus: that when man dies;
and where, man should decide, and please, no fuss!
Full well we knew he would not want a show
of wailing grief. We said our soft goodbyes,
decided on the things we should discuss
with him, did that, and then he died. Just so.