how much it hurts 
to look the dead 
in the eyes...

to feel so much pain
when, reciprocally,
the freedom lies
in the lack thereof.

to see these 
familiar faces
and to feel them 
around you...

...moving
...watching

forcing forgivness
for the sake of mercy
upon your names.

we superficially embody
holy divinity
to comfort the souls 
of believers
with our prays
and thoughts
for the dead

and then your own soul
becomes a void,
vast in confusion
and disguised from 
the emotions of conformity
and the refusal to accept 
the inevitable

but the dead are not fooled...
even with both eyes closed
they see through the vanity
and superficiality 
and stare straight into 
the void...

...and pray,
reciprocally,
for your safety and protection.