The Upside-Down Umbrellas

My dad made large upside-down umbrellas which I’m told Won't keep the water above us from hitting us as we walk the road But will hold the dirt and dust that's left of us as we corrode Keeping it from falling and being washed away in the river below. Impenetrable and round canvases of black They go in a hole underground with a rod attached The rods have rocks serving as bases that suspend them above ground, in their place And braces to keep the underground canvases open-face As useless as they are in the rain today We maintain the upside-down umbrellas and we quietly pray They will keep us all dry one day.