Jim Mattison, was a neighbor, through working life he sailed
My Dad his breath did labor, from chemicals inhaled
One day there paths did meet, a funeral to abate
For Jim it was a grave to dig, for dad it was a mate
Dad stopped to cough and take a breath, but Jim with hardened shell
Said! waste of time you going home I'll bury you as well!
In his prime I would have seen the twinkle in Dads eye
Jim! knew of this, and of dads health, still! he smiled! with a sigh!
Two old men! with swords to cross, is there any winner
Bones that are six feet underground, a savior or a sinner
Both are dead and Jim was buried in a plot that was berated
But, Dad said no! he'll not bury me I want to be cremated
Bob Gibson
http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/me-dad/
