Ocean Eyes

The Funeral

"A child of the Lord up above, a girl of the sea, a daughter and a friend, Skye Jennings will be missed very deeply."

The priest spoke a long speech, and went on about her whole life and many precious memories of Skye. I got front row seating, along with her parents. Tears shed as he spoke, and behind us were seated many people. Many adults and couples that knew Skye were in tears, and there were some children who were emotional as well. Everyone, wearing black.

From behind the gates of the other gravestones that lied on the grass behind the church at the beach, blue waves crashed against the shore. Her funeral was held at a church at the beach- the place where she called home.

I wrote a long poem for Skye to present at the funeral, and had a piece of paper with me to memorize the poem and speech.

"And now may Morgan come up to present her poem to Skye", said the priest.

My stomach churned as everyone looked at me. I grabbed my paper and walked up in my black dress, a black flower in my hair. I stood in front of the tiny flower covered casket.

I cleared my throat into the microphone, and felt everyone's eyes on me. I felt nervous and wanted to drop out, but I didn't. This was all for Skye. Without hesitation, I immediately started the poem out loud.

"A daughter, a friend, a hero too, this is the legacy that couldn't continue", I began.
"You taught us love and how to fight,
You gave us strength, you gave us might.
A stronger person would be hard to find,
And in your heart you were always kind.
You fought for us all in one way or another,
Not just as a friend, but also as a daughter.
For all of us you gave your best,
But too soon it's time for you to rest.
You went in peace, you earned your sleep,
Your love in our hearts, we'll eternally keep."

Everyone's eyes were in tears as I continued the poem, but this was the speech part of the poem.

"Skye", I began, "with the gift of the years comes the treasure of knowing that there are many who love you dearly. The memories you made with me will last forever. The tenderness you've shared with me will never fade. The most wonderful gift you could ever give is the special part of you that now lives in each of us. And the truth your love has taught me can only be strengthened by the gift of time... for where the roots grow deep, memories grow forever."

Everybody, shedding many tears, clapped and cheered. They thought it was beautiful.

I continued on, and put the paper in my dress pocket.

"Skye was my light, she was my life", I said into the microphone. "I really will miss her, so. She would go on about how the ocean is her home..." I looked out to the sea. "And it is." I smiled. "Even thought I haven't known Skye for too long, she taught me how to be happy. She taught me how to smile. There was never a day when she wasn't there for me, bringing joy and light into my life."

The audience nodded. Her mother smiled and gave me a thumbs up.

"When we first met, I wasn't quite sure of her. I was morose, and everything in the world has been pulling me down. But when Skye came into my life, she taught me the true meaning of happiness. The beach was my place to go to let go of all my worries in the world, but now it brings back many memories of when we used to play together. Our play dates were what she called happy days."

The audience chuckled.

"Without Skye, our lives will never be the same. There will be no more happy days with her... but she will always fit into a hole left in my heart."

After my speech, the audience clapped and cheered, many in tears. As I sat back down, her mother gave my shoulders a supportive squeeze.

"That was beautiful", she said.

"Thanks", I smiled.

* * *
"Ashes to ashes, dust to dust", said the priest as her casket was being lowered into the ground. "May her body become part of this earth, let alone be a part of this nature."

We watched in tears as dirt was being piled onto the casket. I shed many tears. She would be missed very much. My best friend. But soon I would see her again...