The Artist's Daughter

Through a fog of grief
the funeral is grey noise

The father looks away
from the small white resting place
up at the simple cross
once a comfort
it seems a mockery now

Six stained glass squares
each one a primary colour
back lit by buzzing fluorescence
faux stained glass that erases
any thoughts of faith

Those who knew her
eulogize her
each in their own way
one with a tender pencil sketch
another with softly spoken words
poetry to picture her life
Then in music
a lullaby
for the already sleeping.

But he chooses to paint her life
with colours rioting together
red for the joy she brought
yellows and greens for hope and sanctuary
purple contemplation
frail peaceful blues to remind him
white for her laughter
and black for her early death

A frenzied chorus of colour
blended by sunlight
redemptive and rich
singing of Sophie
and his emptiness.