The Shape of Mourning

The Shape of Mourning
by Michael R. Burch

The shape of mourning
is an oiled creel
shining with unuse,

the bolt of cold steel
on a locker
shielding memory,

the monthly penance
of flowers,
the annual wake,

the face in the photograph
no longer dissolving under scrutiny,
becoming a keepsake,

the useless mower
lying forgotten
in weeds,

rings and crosses and
all the paraphernalia
the soul no longer needs.

Keywords/Tags: life, death, death of a friend, grave, memory, memories, memorial, mourning, funeral, shape, mourning, eulogy, bolt, steel, locker, penance, wake, keepsake, keepsakes, memento, mementos, rings, crosses, paraphernalia
Copyright © | Year Posted 2020

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