Saturday, January 1, 2011

Burying the dead twice

unlocks emotions tucked away
stuns the feet into stumbling along
with no understanding.
Normal gets lost when the other half is gone,
one side of your body goes numb,
the harness empty where a pair was.
How to relearn walking working waking
alone in bed at 2:00 am,
no sound of breath or snore to wake you
to comfort or discomfit you,
relearning snow tires, car rentals, traveling
without a navigator, groceries, hammer and nail.

To keep company with the dead, listen to their prayers
whining at the door, like a dog wanting in.
I’m afraid we’re all in the same boat.
No leaving before it hits shore.
No staying past your time,
very little say in the matter.

The coming and going of each breath
is a blessing, he said.
Count your blessings.


Jennifer Boire

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