NECROLOGICAL SERVICES

A Municipal Councilor died and I watched the Necrological services held at the local session hall.The place was a bit crowded for the occasion; what with all the municipal officials, policemen, relatives and friends of the deceased. There were no seats and the photographer was nervously moving around trying to focus his camera on the governor. Everybody else was elbowing gayfully (note: the word gayfully) against one another in search for a more comfortable space.

Suddenly the amplifier made a long scandalous sound, then harsh voice came out with it calling the roll of councilmen. As the name of the dead councilor was called, no one answered (well, of course everybody was aware he was dead), but there were occasional sobs and uncoordinated noses.

A councilor stood up and read his prepared speech. He mentioned some good points about the dead man, then pleaded to everybody to pray for the soul of the departed colleague. Another councilor followed making a very long repetitious words of praises; a couple of other speakers continued then finally the son responded. Meantime, some were exchanging jokes outside. All policemen looked confused, walking endlessly in all directions while the son could hardly express his gratitude... and it was all over.

The coffin containing the body was moved towards the Church. The funeral procession was attended by hundreds of men, women and children, a brass band was following

That was the end of another man, another man who, during his life was a very controversial person; the most misunderstood but who kept a jovial attitude 'till death. Soon he shall be forgotten, for what is the use of a dead man? A topic for necrological services, that is all.

Life indeed is more pleasing, more valuable. Let us therefore add life to our remaining years because even years are no longer important to our remaining lives, if we shall simply exist. It is not important even if when we die the rest will forget us, as long as ourt souls can rejoice.