Purifying the sacred place
The soul is present in the space
Rising in air with our prayers
Mixing with spoken ancient words
Stirring songs we for years heard
Fragrant smoke ascending to heaven
Greeted by brilliant light of angels
Triggering delicate memories
Rose petals and rosaries
Family friends from the old country
Lasting ties in this young country
Kept alive with all the stories
Playing in our minds as short movies
We honor the dead at a funeral
Being present for the family; nothing more real
