.

for the journey —
a sprig of thyme
between his teeth

.

This haiku refers to the custom of placing thyme on or inside the coffin. It is supposed to give courage to the departed and facilitate the journey to the other world. See Wikipedia here.

Of course, thyme,  being an aromatic herb with antiseptic properties, has a variety of culinary and medicinal uses: For instance it is a major ingredient in mouthwash! I mainly cook fish with it!

(Prompted NaHaiWriMo extension April 2011)