In February of this year, Verse-Virtual included a poem of mine titled "facing west on resurrection day" which sparked some behind-the-scenes conversations about traditions surrounding funerals and burials. As a result, I realized that my own experiences are fairly limited to American culture. So I wondered if this community could shine some poetic light on the topic. That's where the optional theme came from.

I've attended plenty of funerals for family and friends, quite often as the organist for the service. That has produced stories for another time, perhaps. I have eaten way too many "Funeral Potatoes" and jello salads and fried chicken. I have watched the many ways that people handle grief and love and loss. Marveled at the composure of those who gave eulogies, of families who had been devastated, but held it together for that last goodbye. Cried openly with those who did not hold back their tears. And laughed some too, because nobody escapes this life without having done at least one funny thing worth remembering. And families remember. They remember.

Certainly not a direct experience with Japanese culture, but a number of years ago, I watched a film called "Departures" which dealt, in part, with Japanese funeral traditions and customs. I highly recommend it and you can watch it for free (with ads) on TubiTV.com. If you have some movies that fit this month's theme, feel free to share them on our Facebook page.

Submissions for October will follow the guidelines found HERE.

Jim