Death and a Projector.

"God is good" the pastor screams into the mic, assaulting our ears. I always wonder if something is truth does it need to be combative, harsh ? And today of all days...


I look around the room, everyone in their Sunday best. Shoes polished, pants creased. Ladies in hats, tears hidden behind the sparkle of jewels and lip stick. Even I am "bowtied up".


The smell of flowers hangs heavy in the air, a sweet, sickening perfume. The organ screeches out a old hymn, A bridge over troubled waters...I think.


 I sit, silent...watching.


My mind races back...back many years. An episode of Knots Landing plays...Laura has died, the mourners have gathered, much like today all with their best foot forward. And then...then it happens. A projector starts, Laura's face appears. She speaks. To this day I get chills thinking about it. She lets everyone in the room know just what she actually thought of them all....the screen goes black.


Back in the church...Pastor yells "Can I get a witness?" in unison the crowd "yesss". Stoic, Geneva, the wife sits. Back stiff, hat cocked just right. No sign of sadness, fear...just a slight crack as her hand mindlessly twirls her pearls. I watch, anticipation...the pearls tight, look as if they want to run free.


No projector, No drama, no truth.


Richard has never looked better. In twenty eight years this is the first time I have ever seen him in a suit. He lies there, handsome. I have never noticed how handsome till now. Funny the things we see at the end.


Friends, family take the mic. Memories come. "Oh his sense of humor" "He was the best uncle ever" this man knew love" ...the words bounce around the room like a bat trapped inside a house.


"We are so blessed" says the pastor...and the church says "Amen".


Still...no truth. Where is the projector when you need it...