Rattling the Cage
(Rollie Triptych, Part III)
Perfect timing for
a horrible outcome
On impulse, we drove
to Binghamton for a visit
Stayed with my folks
Call at 5 am, Mom
jostled me awake
“Rollie’s in the E.R!”
He’d sat up in bed
Said, “I can’t breathe”
and all 300 pounds of him
flopped back, dead
Hospital. “He’s gone, Amer.”
But his son turned 1 last week
Older son only 4
I was so pissed at God
Funeral, Baptist Church
His folks’ choice, wife’s
voice unheard, unheeded
Pastor, on a roll, droned on
“Rollie’s above with Jesus”
(when his true loves were his wife,
a beer, a bong, and a beer bong)
“Blah blah blah Jesus blah blah”
Mid-sermon, a THUD
A big one, stopped preacher
mid-pontification
about the Pearly Gates
Sis whispered, “What was that?”
Couldn’t help my reply
“Rollie turning in his casket”
We cracked up, but good
Shoulders shaking and
folks behind us thought
we were sobbing, patted
support on our shoulders
Which made us laugh harder
Yowza, leave it to Rollie
prankster, stoner, merry-maker
To poke us with one last joke
© 2014 Amy Barlow Liberatore/Sharp Little Pencil
The final chapter of The Book Of Roland Newton. Rollie died at 36 of an embolism. Pictured above with older son Matt, around age 2, and younger son Casey on his first birthday, surrounded by the teddy bears that always remind me of their dad. Matt and Casey are young men now, both charting their different courses. I wish they knew their dad from more that just stories told – usually funny ones. Everyone should have a Rollie in their lives.
This is for ABC Wednesday… Y is for Yowza and Young. Peace, Amy
Sharp Little Pencil 
Roger Green
Ya know why I hate a lot of funerals? Because they mostly have a bunch of people talking about the deceased as though they have little idea who he or she really was. Funny stuff, Any
Sabra Bowers
You wrote a wonderful, real tribute. Makes me want to know him.
Carver
Great story. What a shame that his wife’s views weren’t considered. Seems like she should have been the main voice as to the service. Great shot and such a shame his children didn’t have more time with their father. Carver, ABCW-Team (I’m not posting for ABC for a while but am visiting as part of the team when needed).
brian miller
smiles…ha…what a last little gift he left…ah, you know i think the funeral is more for the mourners than anyone…at least that is what it becomes about…he sounds like quite the intriguing guy…oy, beer bongs, giving me nightmare flashbacks…lol…
lesliebc
Sounds like he was a real cracker jack with a great sense of humour! What a wonderful memory to have of him.
Leslie
abcw team
Polly
Fab tale – poignant poetry.
kaykuala h
You have a classic way of making a somber episode to be accepted in a lighter mood. Rollie seemed a nice guy to be around with. Sadly his demise was at such a young age! Great write Amelita! Happy 4th to you and family Ma’am!
Hank
Suzy
Lovely tribute. Sounds like he was a really great guy.
purplepeninportland
‘mid-pontification’ – Who else would think of that? This is wonderful, Amy.
sharplittlepencil
Who would think that? Someone who hates long-winded sermons from puffed-up pulpit stuffers, LOL. Thanks, honey!
jadepagepress
oh, life!
Kim McMillan
wow. powerful.
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ManicDdaily
Oh dear–so sad–reallly well expressed, and clever–but just sad. Take care, Amy. k.