To hire women to wail and weep at
Funerals.
And in fact, the practice is still practiced
In some cultures today.
It's so artificial, we say.
Bizarre.
But at least the custom points out
The gravity of grief,
The need to express it, and
To broadcast to the world that
The survivor's world has been
Ripped apart.
(The wailing can be heard for more
Than a mile away.)
But I'm grateful I don't mourn like
Those who have no hope.
I'm thankful the tears at Jack's homegoing were
Quiet ones intermingled with joy.
And I'm really glad I didn't need to pay
People to come and weep with me.