the walking dead

and why is it that we’re so formal when addressing death. say a prayer that does not reach our hearts; hug shoulders but never lean. hold hands while we’re barely hanging on. reminisce the moments you remember; not a moment to remember. so regret holds your mind; a couple days pass, maybe even a couple months. the extent of the erasure of a soul. the act of dabbing a tissue at the corners of your eyes to keep your makeup intact. the walk leading up to the casket and back, shoulders upright, forever composed. not a stolen glance taken at the face staring back at yours. because living is all about keeping up appearances. so do you really lose them when they die? or have you been dead this whole time?