Cousin Frederick

Cousin Frederick



Cousin Frederick passed on a warm, sunny day.
Family and friends paid respects,
some from far away.
The casket was open.
I thought it obscene.
Cousin Frederick lay as if sleeping. Peaceful. Serene.

From my pew in the back I watched people walk by.
Some unfamiliar to me despite how hard I would try.
How strange, always faces that you do not know
at funerals, at weddings, they always seem to show.

Everyone spoke low as they shuffled about.
Some cried. Some consoled. Then suddenly came a shout!
The air electric and heavy.
The moment seemed in slow-motion.
Then suddenly blood-curdling screams
within all the commotion!

Everyone began running as I bolted up from my seat.
At first I did not see the horror that my eyes would meet.
Cousin Frederick had risen and was looking around
with a horrible smile, making a guttural sound!

He then crawled out of the casket and walked with a lurch.
Some were trampled as everyone raced out of the church.
I stood frozen in terror.
Cousin Frederick stumbled my way.
I was told that an uncle
had pulled me out to the day.

Then the church was ablaze.
To this day I do not know by whom.
So wrong burning a church!
Have we only brought on more doom?
The evil in this day!
So much vile!
Such sin!
The church was soon engulfed,
cousin Frederick howling within.

--msl2022