Grave Goods |
We find a spotted volute not native
to these shores—but, nonetheless,
a needful thing. Small terracotta vases
in the shapes of pomegranates bear paint
in two tones, sport river-ducks tainted
with lead. Also: regard the tumbled stones
shot with veins of crystallized quartz
as signs of sure finesse. And these cups
formed of love and Somerset clay,
you must take them as firm indication
of good taste. This lady did not lay
herself down without thought of the long
years to come, for this stark syndication
of some deity—faceless, throatless—
seflessly held her, drank up her tears.
copyright 2009
A.J.
Odasso |