(in memory of my father)
words and incense filled that sacred space
mostly words, words of ample praise
words the effusive panegyrist gave
to capture one still loved now gone
and though I’d come to honor him
whose passing brought this massive throng
and all these eulogies running on,
my mind, my heart had drifted back
to another as silent as grace concealed
at whose passing not a word was said
not praised by men in front of men
but laid to rest obscure so blessed
as you who fled the sight of men,
as He whose wisdom slips the proud
know in wisdom is the best
Father Gerard Garrigan, OSB, is a Benedictine monk of Saint Louis Abbey.