"Ashes to ashes, dust to dust …."

Before the earth could leave the shovel, Rhiannon, Gwen and Martha dropped their roses onto the lid of the casket.

Jack was next.

Morosely silent since his return three days previous, he took a step forward, stooping lower to allow his own bloom something of a less traumatic descent. It was identical to the other three bar the envelope secured to its stem and, wrapped in cellophane to give it a fighting chance against the ravages of time, it bore just one word.

'Ianto'

Choking on a sob; tears blurring his vision for the first time that day, Jack found himself hopelessly off-balance, and with apparently no semblance of pride remaining he was happy to acquiesce the helping hands that reached out to pull him back into place then steadied him while the simple ceremony was concluded.

Already floating above a bench nearby, the essence of a soul drifted over to slip inside the sealed message then stole a quick peek.

'I know this isn't much my brave Welshman' - were the opening words as read, - 'but it's from the heart ... which right now is all I have to give.'

A sudden breeze sent a scattering of autumn-red leaves down onto the mourners, and as Jack managed to catch one; slipping it quickly into his pocket, the contented spirit began to read the verse he'd written:

I've tried so hard to numb the pain; pretend I'm through with grieving,

I hope you know that life without you here is not worth living.

I beg you every day for a forgiveness not deserved,

I'd tell you that I'm sorry – if I thought you'd hear the words.

The God's will want to keep you but please tell them that you're mine,

I've put pennies on your eyes - to buy us both some extra time.

I miss you every second, every hour, every day,

You know I'd be there with you if they'd let me find a way.

Over by the graveside, Rhiannon Davies managed a smile for the man her brother had loved so much and watched on; her heart aching as the two women were forced to pull him away

Silently the remaining sentiment of - 'I've always loved you, Ianto – and I promise I always will … Jack.x.' – diffused into the ether also, to linger there forever.

"I know, Jack … ... I know…"

Pausing briefly as the ghostly words seemed to whisper all around him, the grieving man was led gently from the scene.

And with its wings readying themselves for their long road ahead, a guardian angel rose from its bench nearby ….. and began to follow.