Good Morning

It's a fine and beautiful morning, Jesus Flores.
A bright pink full moon sets in the west and
The fiery red orb of the sun rises in the east over
The blue and purple shades of the early morning sky.

It's a fine and beautiful morning spread out before me
But you won't be able to see it because you're dead.
You died just a few hours ago in the early morning's night.
My only consolation is this early morning's light.

Holiest week of the year and you're finally truly free,
No more bars or gates of the state penitentiary.
You're at one with God and the universe and
All your ancestors - free at last, free at last!

I thumped on your chest and probably broke each
And every rib, lacerated a liver, and punctured a lung
Or two. I'm sure it's not the way you wanted to go,
But we all have policies and procedures to follow.

Forgive me for that final insult, it's not
What I wanted to do. I knew you were
Gone from the moment I rushed in the door.
Still I have this unpleasant duty dictated by rules and regulations.

I'm going home to my wife and children now.
I gave up nicotine and caffeine and alcohol for lent;
Don't worry, I'll drink one for you early easter morn.
Right now I'll just pray and write a quick poem.