Taking Stock Poem by shimon weinroth

he died and passed away,
and we sighed with relief,
bade him farewell
to another realm

for conventions sake,
burying him, obeyed
the ceremonies of forefathers
from the beyond,

duty had called
and we responded,
strange our burden of care
is lightened,

he passed away
and we sighed with relief,
is it because
he would suffer no more

or, are we no longer responsible
shook off the chains and fetters of care,
the burden spread its wings
to leave an empty space

more time to ourselves, to do
this and do that, and the other,
he would be missed
on our own terms,

watered by time and selections,
fond memories
would return
at a later date,

he passed away and
we sighed with relief

shame on you