“I’ve spent a lifetime
trying to learn the language of the dead”
Jim Harrison
what a foolish paradox!
the first thing I learned was never to speak
to the other side, to those who have passed over
their language is dumber than silence
ours is the cry of the night
it is enough that love transcends, that the imprints
they made in our flesh remain with us
to re-call the dear departed is to ply them with woe
tearing at the veil of separation – it is unfair
at the charnel house, waiting on Resurrection day
they have not gathered to pick bones with charlatans
and the massed memories scattered over years and yards
of consecrated ground, can never recollect
thus we ceremoniously burn bridges in cemetery and pyre
or sever mortal bondage with scarifying beak and talon
for in this one last act of human kindness
– we let them go – with God – adieu!
Joining with Jilly’s pick of Jim Harrison prompts for Day 15 of 28 Days of Unreason
PoetryPix 