In Memoriam

Oh we show up, always do

in our very best black

clutching each other and sobbing

into our sleeves, we will

fold the paper carefully in our hands

sit in rows like blackbirds

looking over the leavings, now

hush sob hush into a handkerchief

one moment to pause and reflect

over the open wound

oh, we promise

oh, we will never let you go;

Then back to our worlds

our computer screens and cell phones

our traffic and smog

our racetrack bets and our hipster music

our parties and our trysts

our vacations and politics

our laughter and our latest hair

our bullshit and calendar reminders;

While that row of roses, planted

just at the edge of the walk

as a memorial

grows bushy and full of thorns