The Last Laugh Poem by Dónall Dempsey

So much fun.

You always were the lively one.

Here, on this hillside falling down to a river
here, in this windy weather we gather together

Dearly Beloved

to honour your wishes.

In my mind I see you run tumble roll down this hillside full of delight laughter.

I smile sadly
(holding the urn tightly)
my task to scatter you.

“And then, to the elements...be free! ”

I pronounce Prospero like
as you become Ariel.

But as your dust dances
upon the air

the wind changes direction

and you come back to us

large as life...big as love

blustering all over us getting into our hair

our eyes
open wide with surprise
up our noses
bringing tears to our eyes

staining white shirts grey

like a dirty joke in a church.

So much fun
you were always the lively one

even in death
having the last laugh.