A Funeral

Funerals are exactly like they’re portrayed in movies. It was a windy, but fine, atmospheric day. The trees blew loudly and the party gathered in the distance next to the grave. Dressed in black, they were like silhouettes or shadows. The pallbearers walked solemnly with the coffin on their shoulders. We threw a handful of earth into the hole without knowing why. I said to the priest afterwards “Thank you, it was a very moving service”, like I’d read it from a script, but it was true. I wasn’t sure what to call him. Priest? Vicar? George? It turns out he’s a Canon, an honorary title, and a sweet old man as well.