Mourners (after Ted Kooser)

After the funeral, the mourners gathered
under the swaying palms
to sneer at each other,
sharpening fronds and fencing for sport.
Black dresses and ties bonded
these athletes jousting for blood.
They came to settle a score,
to stake a claim, to squash an opponent.
As the minister stood aside
he wondered if anyone heard him speak;
he'd waved a different frond.