Merciful Undertaker

Alexander Knight

Merciful Undertaker,

When you dig where I will die,

Could you put me 10-feet-under,

And hard-pack the dirt

So I’ll have to comply?

My will to survive

Would cause my disgrace.

I’d doubt your good mercy,

And claw my way out—

Out of that safe place.

You must not allow me.

Cut the string from my bell.

Blame the distant crowd,

Or the hidden mockingbird,

If you hear me yell.

Kind Undertaker, I’d make you regret it,

If you lower a ladder.

Do not call help.

Please, ignore my screaming grave,

Or I’ll cry so much harder,

And die so much slower.

June 29, 2007