a carton of cigarettes
stashed behind the desk
last testament to addiction
he reads from Psalms
as the family gathers
ingredients
for chicken egg noodle
casserole dishes
baked in the sun
streaming through stained glass
the organist plays
"Rock of Ages"
I search for words
at your grave
the reek of nicotine
wearing your sweater
copyright 2004
Deborah P
Kolodji |