Andrew Detheridge
The Coffin Makers
In a suburb of Accra, the greatest honour
is to be buried in a customised coffin;
parrot, Mercedes-Benz, bottle of beer, Nike trainers
- whatever was closest to the heart
of the recently dearly departed.
Paa Joe will carve it for you.
seeming to breathe in eucalyptus healing
with each groove, planed smooth,
while gaunt cats watch, nursing scabs
in quiet corners.
On a dawn the colour of Creation -
Eden-lost and soporific as the tide,
another life is celebrated.
This time, the procession follows a giant crab
through the streets of the capital,
the face of the deceased captured
in a lopsided snowman-smile,
as if in approval.
Gently, he is lowered into the dark earth
soft as dust settling on silk flowers,
before the mourners fade away in pairs
and muddled groups.
Only the old are allowed these fancy coffins:
the chance to celebrate a full and joyous life.
After all, it’s a funny business - death.
Page(s) 39
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