Pine Box
Posted by Brad Osborne on January 22, 2020 · 18 Comments
If the righteous go to heaven
Then why are funerals so sad
If to them angelic wings given
Then why aren’t we more glad
Isn’t this all about them
And the joys they have shared
Why is this sullen moment then
About the ones who cared
If your beliefs you hold true
And they are glory bound
Why put their death on review
Amidst the sorrowful sounds
But it is really more about us
The communing of our sorrow
Reminder in our heads are thus
Of our un-promised tomorrow
Do not send me off this way
With tears and woeful cries
Let me think that my last day
Will be seen through happy eyes
Know that I have lived life well
And loved each best I could
Do not in such sadness dwell
It will not do me any good
Laugh, love, and good stories tell
As if I were still standing there
Be happy and live your life well
For that is my only prayer
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commonsensiblyspeaking 
Pine box is sad, but true, it’s a good question you raise to our sorrows and attachment and the journey beyond. Good work 👌
Thank you for reading and commenting, Vinayak! Certainly final rites hold different things for different people and cultures. I have just never connected with the mournful sorrow that they generate. I’m weird, I know!
Well i have asked this question many times to myself and the world that if a physical creation has to perish one day what is the root cause for attachment. And this bond is such that makes us sad and mourn a demise of someone close to us. Maybe if we knew more about the journey beyond it would have not been a painful experience. Weirdness is good, that’s when you can ask such questions.
I think it is also, sometimes, about what we focus on. If we focus on the person who has passed, it is hard not to smile and conjure the visions of all the wonderful and loving times together. If we focus on ourselves, we only see that something loved and important is now missing from our lives. Or is this just a facet of the larger eternal question of ‘Why are we here?’ You always make me think, V! And I appreciate you for that!
The point is its all the three things you mentioned and it does make one think. Thats why it will always remain as the most mysterious and eternal question.
I agree with you Brad, I often think this way. If people can care enough when we are alive it’s great than holding mourning ceremonies
Thank you Shanti for commenting. Certainly the Eastern and Asian cultures have a more rounded view death and a greater appreciation for what may lie beyond the earthly realm.
It’s true that any kind of service held in tribute to a recent loss of a loved one is about OUR need to find expression of our loss. The older I get, the more uncomfortable these services make me, though I do think they are held in loving tribute. As you know, I want no services at my own demise; people telling my loved ones how they felt about me once I’m gone doesn’t hold the same importance to me as telling me while I am here to learn it personally.
So eloquently said!
Great post, well written 🙂👍
Thank you, Hilde!
The whole celebration of life concept is far more uplifting than some of the somber occasions I’ve attended in which the entire environment is filled with grief. I understand the need to grieve, but when I’m gone, I don’t want people crying over me. I’d much rather have people laughing, telling funny stories, and sharing good memories.
The other weird part is watching people who had no time for the deceased when they were living, suddenly think it important to be there to mark the occasion of their demise.
a good old Irish wake seems like the “way to go”
Now your talking…How to I become Irish? 😁
Amen to this 🌷
Love ya, Ms. G!
😘😘😘