GONE

The times are gone when the car would break down and father and son would push it home if they could not repair it on the road.

 Electricity was a miracle. Even that was minimal. The family displayed the stars and stripes every holiday.

Father wore hats, feared nature but felt he had a fair deal in terms of the world. Mother prayed to a crucifix on the bureau. She prayed for everyone she knew.

 The picture of the pope was hung above the picture of the president. On another wall was a crucifix, in whose hollow body was stored, the things the priest would use to bless the soul’s departure.

No one in that house died alone.

Copyright 1992, held by author.