his mother stands
for hours
tall
poised
steady
not even leaning
on the chair behind her
held by impossible strands of strength and grace
friends and strangers
line the aisles
hallways
vestibules
sidewalks
streets
quietly waiting
for their moment
beside the open box
some pass too quickly afraid to look
most
pause
with a smile or sigh
or sniffle or cry
at his proud shroud
a bold lettered hoodie
showing school spirit here
and hereafter
In memory of Graham Stevens, in celebration of his family’s faith, and in honor of his mother’s grace.
Beth Nyland 
I really like this.
Thank you. It was one of those poems I *needed* to write, in order to begin sorting out this event for myself.
Beth – how beautiful. I sure hope you sent a copy to Brenda!
Thanks, Leslie. I did send it to her, and she and I shared a hug over it this morning at yoga. I need to print her a copy …