Death by Bethany Lawler

Items necessary for burial:

Corpse —

preferred prior to decay

Shovel —

must be sturdy

Gravedigger —

must be sturdier

 

Recommended:

Box or shroud —

decorations optional

Grave marker —

stone is best but a living tree works well

Mourners —

the dead don’t know they are not alone

 

Optional:

Religious speeches —

It’s too late to convert, but not to be canonized

Elaborate rituals —

The living dance, but the dead dictate

Anecdotes from family and friends —

it’s only humorous now that they’re gone

Items of significance —

pets not recommended

Embalming —

not for weak stomachs

Alcohol —

drown what you cannot change

Laughter —

mock what you fear

Tears —

there’s never enough and too much for the dead