Sun and spring beget a smile

On passers by this afternoon

I sit and watch the multitudes

From the isolation of my car

I’ve parked here waiting for a friend 

We’ve agreed to meet to act

As part of a necessary pageant 

Made up of unknowns generally

We have a common bond this day

To honour someone whom we know

Though in many varied contexts

Each unique to him and them

At the appointed hour we gather

In an awkward distanced way

Each one knowing their part but

Alone in other broader relation

All are masked and hidden 

Eyes alone betray their thoughts

A woman stops at each of us

A phone in hand she instructs

We’re here to offer fond farewells 

Via FaceTime to a friend

Who lay dying in the hospice

His wife the only family there

We wish him well in jolly tones

And move aside for the next one

Repeating the real-time chant of

Endearing falsity knowing that

Should it be reversed we would

Take heart in knowing that 

Some group of friends took

Time to say farewell this day