On The Death My Uncle

A figure short and dark

you melted hearts with your smile.

 

Childlike 

You said goodbye to your parents. 

Now, your children 

in the "solemnest of industries”

grieve and disbelieve

struggling to accept 

your mysterious disappearance.

 

Within them they will carry you

while she broods

trying to reconcile

years of frying peppers 

watching pigeons

with a promise of loneliness.

                                

The birds oblivious

no tears to disturb their iridescent coats

roost, take fight, return to their sanctuary

to peck in blessed ignorance about the yard—

 

 

Where once in crimson and lime

the roses of our youth grew the summer long

worm and thorn hidden from our eye.

 

And frost on the way

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