Hill is the author of a poetry collection, has published widely in poetry journals, and is an associate editor for a university publications department. In the following essay, she addresses the humorous irony in the speaker's last request, claiming he has intentionally made the wish impossible to grant.

A cardboard pyramid instead of a satin-lined coffin. A naked body instead of one dressed in its best, or brand new, suit. An outdoor, all-night gathering of dubious mourners in bad weather instead of a quiet indoor vigil and service for loved ones. A clandestine drive in a pick-up truck to a garbage dump instead of a somber procession with a hearse carrying the dead to a pretty, well-manicured cemetery lawn. And, finally, an attempt to honor the last request of the dearly departed whose remains have just been left on a pile of garbage with flies on his...