The book of life has closed for me
And my final chapter’s read
I have a favour to ask of you
Now that I am dead
Forgive me at my funeral
On this day speak well of me
If only for this day
Please share the sweetest memory
There are things I’ve done that have hurt you
Moments where I’ve caused you pain
And I can’t change any one of them
For they’ve left the darkened stain
Forgive me at my funeral
Don’t let this be my trial
Let those who gather laugh with you
And leave with just a smile
Forgive me at my funeral
Forgive the way I died
And for the pain I surely caused you
For this time, please let that hide
But it’s not my place to ask you
To hide the truth for long
It would not be kind or helpful
To modify this song
So when the mourning’s over
And the grieving takes a hold
Be honest in the journey
And let the truth unfold
And then know the hope for healing
Where grace and mercy bleed
Forgive, forgive and forgive me again
And let love be what they see
© Ruby Neumann
Poet's Note: I wrote this poem in October of 2019. An accumulation of memorial memories were wafting through my head at the time.
I understand the need to lay aside the truth for an brief time during loss, tragedy and grief. Maybe the funeral isn't the place to be honest. It is the place to remember the beautiful. Total healing requires truth but sometimes it can take years before the truth surfaces again. When that time comes… can we forgive all over again like we "forgave at the funeral."
