Death gathers us differently

Went to a memorial service yesterday.  The husband of a colleague had died unexpectedly.  It was interesting to me who showed, even who didn*t show.  It is always a surprise.  Always.  Next time it will be a surprise as well.

Death gathers people

Differently.

No invitations

To speak of,

Word of mouth or newspaper.

These days:

Disparate social media.

Death gathers us

Differently.

It is always a surprise

Even when expected.

The people who gather

Are often a surprise,

The people we had not planned to see

This week

This month

Even                         

This year

In this setting.

Death gathers us differently,

The segments of our lives

Weave

Unweave

Unplanned,

Almost always

Unplanned,

Uninvited,

Until it happens

Again.