Carry a Jagged Piece of Jet in Your Pocket by Sue Finch

Offer everyone else a piece of coal

and a packet of pink popping candy.

Sit those with handkerchiefs on one side,

those with tissues, or nothing, on the other.

When no one is expecting you to stand,

rise up,

wink at the celebrant and smile.

Lean on a pillar

sing Misty again for me.

Raise your eyes to the roof as if you think

a part of me is rising to heaven.

Note those who follow your gaze.

Nod a bow

and gesture to my coffin

as if I should take one too.

Tell everyone I always wanted to hear

the collective sound of open-mouthed mourners

popping candy.

---

Sue Finch was born in Kent. She now lives with her wife in North Wales and enjoys exploring the coast. Her first published poem appeared in A New Manchester Alphabet in 2015 whilst studying for her MA with Manchester Metropolitan University. Her work has also appeared in The Interpreter’s House, Ink, Sweat and Tears, Poetry Bus Magazine and in Crossings Over, an anthology published by Chester University Press. Having a number of poems in the real world makes her smile. You can follow Sue on Twitter to find out more about her work: @soopoftheday

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