Jerry Gill

The heat index is 101 degrees as they bury a six year-old girl in the tiny village cemetery. She was killed when a delivery truck hit her as she was riding her bike near her home. She was wearing a helmet.

After praying the "Our Father" with the 50 or so mourners, the minister ends the brief ceremony in a subdued voice with this prayer:

"O Lord, may this little one, who has left us at such a young age, be with you forever playing her innocent child-games in your happy presence. And may we who mourn her death be comforted with your mysterious peace and coolness. Amen."

white butterfly
disappearing
into honeysuckle