Funny Death?

What can be funny about death? Well, if you can believe the dead one dances somewhere in a never-never land laughing that he left all cares behind, death could have a funny side. But only to the dead one. Those left alive mourn often in black clothing and black bands or wreaths on the door. I’ve read somewhere that Orientals wear white instead but the emotion is the same. Sadness because someone loved is lost forever.
“Too bad the old bugger died. So glad it wasn’t me.”
That’s not funny, ha ha, but funny, odd, that we, for an instant, think more of ourselves and how the void left in our lives will affect us. Why not? We know dead is dead and the living must live on, one way or another. It could be difficult and hurt a lot. Or be a great big relief.
Maybe the Irish had it right. Put the dead body in an open casket in the middle of the room and bring on the Irish whiskey. Drink. Dance. Get so stupid drunk you laugh. Why not? Certainly doesn’t harm the dead one. And if that is the only way to bring on smiles and belly shaking ha-ha then no real harm done. Well maybe to the heads that throb the next day.
Nevertheless dead is dead. Nothing funny about that.
Naomi Sherer