for DH
Bleak green carpeting Despairing pillars The murmur of the living The coffin and the flowers
But here's a faded photograph Taken thirty years ago Of a girl--it's her-- Slender and pretty with Long honey-colored hair And eyes the color of new spring leaves Her skirt pulled over her knees And her head tilted forward
She looks up at the photographer Her gaze shy, entreating, placating
Reconcile this With the bloated, foul-smelling woman We cared for... We called her through the door Are you there? Are you going to take your medicine? ...