At the Edge

White wakes trail festive party boats Beach dweller eyes with envy Lonely cactus on desert sand Not even parasites invade Needles repel everything, everyone Never to exchange vows Give birth, spoil grandchildren Tossing in her king-size bed for endless nights No king Eternity in a cocoon Years pass, hopes dim Friends complain Messy husbands, custody battles No custodians seek empty hearts She beckons the sun to set Prays to reach heaven’s gate ‘Fore it rises again Enduring dread Puffs of smoke from burnt-out life Circle in her dimly-lit room, then dissipate No last will or legacy bestowed Memories of her life Rest only in souls who have passed