The Shape of Mourning

The Shape of Mourning

by Michael R. Burch

 
The shape of mourning
is an oiled creel
shining with unuse,

the bolt of cold steel
on a locker
shielding memory,

the monthly penance
of flowers,
the annual wake,

the face in the photograph
no longer dissolving under scrutiny,
becoming a keepsake,

the useless mower
lying forgotten
in weeds,

rings and crosses and
all the paraphernalia
the soul no longer needs.

Keywords/Tags: life, death, memory, memories, mourning, funeral, shape, mourning, bolt, steel, locker, penance, wake, keepsake, keepsakes, memento, mementos, rings, crosses, paraphernalia

Reviews

[Paul Bell]

The ritual of mourning and the aftermath going forward.
You move on and time moves on, yet some things completely stop.
The mower lying unused speaks volumes.
This reminds me of a garden I used to pass everyday going to work. I suppose describing it, it was like something out of the Chelsea flower show. Sadly the old chap died and no one was left tend it. It didn't take long for the garden to die too.

[Michael R. Burch]

Thanks for taking the time to read and comment, Paul. I thought the mower was a good image for what I was trying to communicate. It can be read two ways: as the mechanical mower lying forgotten in weeds and the body in an untended grave.

[Paul Bell]

Pleasure, definitely reflects real life.

[Michael R. Burch]

Thanks again.