When the coffin disappeared behind
A sober curtain, we sang a Psalm
And filed out of the crematorium.

Paused outside and spoke with gentle
Voices about the “dearly departed”.
Telling lies about his kindness, when
We all knew that he was a grumpy old
Man who disliked us, his relatives.

I looked up, white smoke drifted slowly
In still, frosty air and fine ash blended
With dandruff! The old man was
Bent on following us home.