Ascension

I was in your bedroom
I knew you planned to leave soon
With your legs like javelins
And your ribcage rattlin’

The making of arrangements
The stripping down naked
To administer the sacrament
Your last will and testament

When I see the silver ring I wear
I’m reminded of my family singing hymns around your bed
Sometimes, “It is well with my soul” is a damn lie

Is history a mantra?
I never knew my grandpa
And my dear old dad has mileage
Will my children have the privilege?

When I see the silver in his hair
I’m reminded of my family singing hymns in the church where I grew up
When it was well with my soul

I’m told that when my grandfather died
He sat up in his bed and said, “O! I see a light!
It’s beautiful!”
But I am less certain of my corpse
Will you have to break me like a horse?
Will you have to break me, like a horse?
Can I just take you at your word, or will you have to break me?