AFTER YOU HAVE LIVED
for J.W. and her family
If I say, Go gently, go loudly, go as gently or loudly
as you wish. Do not do as I say.
If I say, Go to the light, stay as long as you like.
Do not ask what this light is, or that I point it out to you.
The sky is ink today, a white neither cloud or ooze.
Fog would like to catch us snoozing before trees go full bloom,
waiting for the slip between winter and spring, as if we can see
seasons on their way in and out.
I’ll pour you a shot of booze in your favorite glass tonight.
Come in as you wish and drink.
If you forget how to sip, funnel your lips. Fall back
in a bend against the floor.
After your swallow, choose any cobweb you like as yours.
Or float through a mirror at first chance.
I’ll keep busy watching shadows rise and fall,
catching glimpses of something glinting in the yard.
–
Tags: mourning poem, poem about death, poem of mourning, poet in Portland
perfection.
I love you, Bird.
hmm. is very good. it gave me a quiet feeling, something internal that I feel. thanks.
thanks for saying.
Dancing her way out of this life. The door we come through is the same as the one we leave.
Thank you. This is very perfect.
Thank you for reading, Kimberly.
Loved the falling back into a bend on floor, watching the shadows, floating through mirrors. Well, liked the whole thing.. a wonderful trip into the ether. Thank you.
Thanks Claire – very kind of you to say.