past due

february always find you folding

local papers open to the faces

"passed away," to wonder what they are holding

in those hands we're never shown the places

formal photographs refuse to mention

his tiny feet, the birthmark on her knee

the tyranny of framing our attention

with all their eyes no longer see

and darkness comes too early, you won't find

the many things you owe these latest dead

a borrowed book, that check you didn't sign

the tools to be believed with, beloved

give what you can to keep, to comfort this

plain fear you can't extinguish or dismiss


View john_samson's Full Portfolio
Kris Grula's picture

Beautiful write. The flow, the words, everything. Nicely done