I never thought I would miss the sound of weeping

or gnashing of teeth

But now I long for it over

the constant hum of those damn machines

They just don’t mourn quite the same.

15 minutes is all you get, no hugs no kiss on the cheek

They tell the family as they don their gowns with ease

I hand a form for the body’s release

It is their 5th one this week

They knew the funeral home address by memory

What’s the purpose of someone like me?

I know that I’m supposed one who can accompany,

But it’s hard to be. When the futility. Clouds the Divinity

I call the woman who has sat vigil at her husband’s side

For the past 2 months

She’s at the hotel across the street, all she does is pace

The hospital can’t let her in, till he’s gone.

She wonders if she’ll know his face.

She knew the funeral home address by memory

What’s the purpose of someone like me?

I know that I’m supposed one who can accompany,

But it’s hard to be. When the futility. Clouds the Divinity

The news report tells me, another record-breaking day

In our second city.

They flash the death toll, I can’t help but think “hey,

I know most of their names.” I wonder why I’m not phased.

I never thought I would miss the sound of

The weeping or gnashing of teeth

But now I long for it over

the constant hum of those damn machines

William Roelofs Resident Chaplain, Rush University Medical Center