Moms Birthday

Mama knows we’ll be celebrating a sadness— weeping. she needs flowers— carnations, her favorite. her birthday this week. (dad’s birthday comes first) shall we place long stems alongside the purple urn? i’m crying— that’s all that’s left. ashes, we shan’t peek. we must believe they are contained; we must believe mom’s home in heaven. i hope her heart beats so loud we don’t miss the kisses she throws as we cheer with her favorite Manhattans. three cheers with cherries— clinking, a sigh. won’t be a dry eye. I still see her last sleep. I tug at her cross. O what a loss. Mama we miss you. 9/10/2021