How can I keep from singing?

Abstract

We stand by the dock and wait for the rest of my family. The water is still, awaiting what is to come. Slowly, a sea of black emerges from inside the house. My sister is holding the urn. We gather by the lake, and I hear the eulogies begin. As his ashes are scattered into the water, someone starts to sing a Celtic hymn. Just as a tear escapes my eye, I feel a soft breeze and then the warmth of the sun. I look into the pristine, blue water and smile slightly as I truly listen to the words of the hymn, “above the tumult and the strife, I hear the music ringing. It sounds an echo in my soul, how can I keep from singing?” The high-pitched notes cut straight into my heart as I remember the similar melodic tone of his voice. I remember the rises and falls of his speech, how he could make a lecture sound like a sonnet. The music of the funeral fades and I am filled with the music of his life. I hear his perpetually soothing command, “always wear your life-vest, have too much fun, fear nothing, keep holy the Marine Corps birthday, and until we meet again, may God hold you in the palm of His hand.”