Burial

Under the midday African sun the coffin and its contents were lowered into the concrete lining endless red clay. We had joined the procession against ardent advice from our over-protective entourage and risked sunburn and sand fleas to bring our bodies along. More prayers were said and more songs were sung, more dances danced and more tears shed by convulsing mourners. The graveside service was mercifully short, and tragically beautiful. This was the final stage of sadness before the celebrations began in ernest. We cast our final glances toward Mercy as the first dirt struck her coffin. Gentle rest sweet lady.