turn out the light

it was a struggle the entire way north on friday.
we got off to a late start, which added to the stress of the whole ordeal.

saturday was full of family and alcohol, torn up gift wrap all over the floor and too many dogs for one house.

however, that morning when i woke up, i didn't want to get out of bed at all. if i did, all i wanted to do was go to the cemetery. it was easier to lay in bed and hide behind the sound of the tv.

there is a local tv station in my out-laws town that shows local church services, local folks and the like. during the holidays, they run photos submitted by local folks of loved ones that are no longer here, aptly titled 'christmas angels 2006.' the channel does it every year.
in my attempt to hide as long as i could, i turned on the tv and it was on the local channel. some church-type hymnal sort of song was on and i turned to see what was on.

and there he was.

well, his photo.
followed by a photo of his father.

was that a sign of sorts?



late that night, we finished up the loose ends with the girl's presents by shopping at the local super-center store conveniently open 24 hours.
i wanted to go to the cemetery then but it was really late.

sunday morning, i had to go pick up the big girl and on the way, i stopped by the cemetery.
his sister had placed some red and white flowers a few days before - they were very pretty.

and i cried.


sunday night, we were back south with my family and home that night for the big man in red. the girls went to bed quickly.

monday was christmas.
the girls got everything they wanted.
the big girl even said it was the best christmas ever since she got everything she asked for.

the harmony of the day was nice.
but today, i feel so empty.

Ten years ago on a cold, dark night
Someone was killed beneath the town hall light
There were few at the scene but they all did agree
the slayer who ran looked a lot like me

She walks these hills in a long black veil
she visits my grave when the night winds wail
nobody knows, nobody sees, nobody knows but me

The judge said, "Son, what is your alibi?
If you were somewhere else then you don't have to die"
Well, I spoke not a word, though it meant my life,
for I had been in the arms of my best friend's wife

She walks these hills in a long black veil
she visits my grave, when the night winds wail
nobody knows, nobody sees, nobody knows but me

Well, the scaffold is high and eternity is near
she stood in the crowd and shed not a tear
but sometimes at night when the cold wind blows
in a long black veil she cries over my bones

She walks these hills, in a long black veil
she visits my grave, when the night winds wail
nobody knows, nobody sees, nobody knows but me
nobody knows, nobody sees, nobody knows but me