Title:  Final Goodbye
Author:  Jennifer D'Agostino "Maven Alysse"
Warnings:  None, perhaps a bit depressing.
It's a short little thing, it kind of goes along with the other graveyard scene I wrote, the Visitation, though this isn't a sequel.
 
 

The funeral procession concluded at the top of a small rise overlooking the bay and the city.  The water, gray and choppy, echoed the sky.  Lights from the distant city glinted like fairy fire.

Few words were spoken as the casket was lowered into its final resting place.  Most of the gathered had been only passing acquaintances of the newly departed.  Several questioned the wisdom of venturing out in such uncertain weather.  The small crowd shifted uncomfortably as a chill wind sent the first drizzling raindrops upon their bent heads.

The pastor spoke a hurried blessing as heavy dark gray clouds collected overhead, cognizant of the desire the gathered had of staying dry.  A futile wish.

The storm broke, no longer a threat but an aggressive reality, as the first dirt-laden shovel was tipped over; the thunder drowning out the soft thud upon the wooden casket.  One more line of near meaningless platitudes and, as if by some silent signal of tacit approval, the mourners fled, seeking out the dry warmth of their cars and homes.

All left the area behind without a second thought.  All save one who watched silently with saddened, world-weary eyes as the gravediggers completed their task and hurriedly left as the downpour commenced in earnest.
 

Hours later, the storm now spent and the clouds chased away by a warming breeze, the lone figure still stood facing the bay, one hand lightly resting upon the tombstone.  Watching as the sun touched the water, with a solemn measured pace, the sweet notes of "Taps" rang out and seemed to hang in the fresh, storm-scrubbed air.

Day is done
Gone the sun
From the lakes
From the hills
From the sky.
All is well,
Safely rest.
God is nigh.

Fading light
Dims the sight
And a star
Gems the sky,
Gleaming bright
From afar,
Drawing nigh,
Falls the night.

Thanks and praise,
For our days,
Neath the sun,
Neath the stars,
Neath the sky,
As we go,
This we know,
God is nigh.

As the last note echoed over the bay, the sun finished it's journey below the waters.  Several stars glinted in the sky, the moon making its tentative appearance.

With a final caress along the words engraved upon the stone, the figure headed down the hill, leaving the grave to stand lonely sentry.

End

- Jennifer D'Agostino "Maven Alysse"