closure

In memory of Jack and Bonnie Owen and with love to Gladys Owen, their mother. I miss you all.

* * *

Six strong men

lower him into

the hole in earth.

Swallow him down

crumble, return to soil

on a cold day

to colder ground.

And still tears flow

and blackness creeps

the land of light

misty rains turn fog

on a February night.

Old woman sitting

old daughter with her

crying inside

melting the facade

gotten older in a week

wrinkles newly dug

waiting

waiting.

No tears

like a tree

lest weariness

take her down

into the mouth

dug by machine.

Dealt him cruelly

below the murk

the man

shredded to bone

his son saw all

on TV.

And confusion

and horror

and silence

and grief

and crying.

And crying.

Black hugging his body,

spirit touch heaven

and finally

finally

peace.