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Beside the Grave, by Mary Wallace

6/11/2020

 
Rain dripped down the back of his neck. He was cold and uncomfortable and he wished he was somewhere… anywhere else.

His sister cried at his side; her sobs, like nails down a blackboard, causing his fingers to claw. He balled his fists, shoving them deep into his pockets to prevent other mourners noticing.

Mourners-- such a stupid idea. You put the body in the grave when it's dead! That's it, finished… the end. All this fuss and hoo-ha.

He hadn't even liked his sisters stupid cat.

Sandra James
6/11/2020 08:03:09 am

Love it, Mary! I wonder how many siblings have had to suffer through the same :)

Paritosh Chandra Dugar
6/11/2020 08:22:30 am

Very, very few people can speak so candidly as the 'He' of the story does. Well done, Mary.

Swapan k Banerjee
6/11/2020 11:16:24 am

Very powerful description, Mary.

Pamela Kennedy
6/11/2020 01:23:43 pm

What an interesting observation, Mary...some people really are stoic and accepting and some just aren't.

Sivan Pillai
6/11/2020 01:57:15 pm

Very philosophical reaction. Isn't most of the tears shed at funerals artificial? Good one, Mary.

Krystyna
6/11/2020 03:31:49 pm

All the world’s a stage, including funerals. The truth of it all presented poignantly in your excellent prose, lady Mary.

Jim link
6/11/2020 03:43:09 pm

Nicely done, Mary! I see two sides to this story - how some are their only to be there when it comes to a "funeral" or mourning, and how, for some of us, we cry harder and mourn longer for our animals than people.
Take care
Jim

Marjan sierhuis
6/11/2020 09:35:55 pm

Your words carry alot of meaning, Mary. Well done.

John Cooper
7/11/2020 01:19:21 pm

Powerful story that is both moving and thought provoking. Well done.

Sue Clayton
8/11/2020 02:58:48 am

Mary, I couldn't begin to tell you how I farewell my animals. Most of the obligatory mourners would be crying with laughter at my over the top grief. And you are a queen of the twist ending.

Mary Wallace
9/11/2020 05:05:38 am

Thankyou everyone. I must admit that I absolutely resemble the sister at pet funerals, but I can imagine there must be some bored brothers, disgusted at being made to attend the service.


Comments are closed.

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