great uncle Eli drew me to his knee

as great aunts and uncles and elder

friends stared, frowning at pre-kindergarten me for giggling

in the flower-scented funeral parlor

decorum horrified at the breech

by a child who dared be heard

among the stifled weeping

Eli looked shocked, pained, and finally

comforted, telling me – and all

his disapproving relatives that i was alright, even if inappropriate

thank goodness for the brave souls

who have turned our memorial services

toward celebration of the life

of those we have loved