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(March, 1991) Atop the brownstone church, a bell tolled Birdsong overtook the bell's keen Itsnature to suspend its joyous song Sensing its duty's futility, the seasoned bell gave way to the roar of the pipe organ Inside the church bird song was silenced Theits breath Shannie's sobs pierced the organ's echo Sunlight burst through the stained glass s and danced in pools across the gray floor An errant bit of sun reflected off thedraped casket In the first pew, the Lightman's sat stoically, a lesson learned from the tombstones that lined Fernwood Flossy was sedated into a stupor Leroy Sr, the knowing soldier, the incredulous parent, still was in shock; a soldierly shock - deterhthter, whispered into Shannie's ear Sobbing, Shannie rested her head upon her mother's shoulder Diane stroked Shannie's hair which poured like tears over her black dress

My father and I shared the second peith the Ortolans I tre my tears Like my mother, my tears vanished Next to me, my father stared at the simple white cross that served as the altarpiece, his hands resting in his lap, his upper lip stiff Through arid eyes, I gazed at Shannie, the sulf of empty pine

In the pew behind us was the Lucas family Marcy sat next to Count's casket Janice held an aran receded - reloading for another barrage The clickitty-clack of Russell's cane tap-danced around the scattered coughs and whispers of the congregation I wished to be with Russell, I wanted to feel his strength I'h the folly! I'm sure that's why he arrived late! He sa everyone needed to be part of Count's funeral, Count's story, Count's posthuh it all He knew that most of the people who filled the church didn't care a rat's ass about Count before his death He was just that redneck gravedigger's son Hypocrites!

The pipe organ again sprung to life, announcing the beginning of the service, beckoning the congregation to join in hyation accepted, in unison they stood - stood all around ht for Count Despite their best intentions, they sounded like a gaggle of geese And Mr Lucas - the greatest offender of them all - that prick! That hypocrite! His croon - the cadence of an artillery shell, - rose above the others I winced as the undertaker's wail bounced about reed we lost a brother Unlike Shannie, I didn't sing for Leroy Light for Count He wouldn't have wanted me to; he would have told me to "shut up the hell up dumbass! You can't carry a football, what oddamned tune"