an inured life
is interred
it passed with the
rancorous pungency
of a dozen decaying wreaths
and parched chattered mouths
yearn for tea
the penury of loss
the lack; a lamentable lovelessness
lowered solemnly
into a small family plot
for lichen to grow
and time to pass
graveside mourners
left in a parlous state of
medicated unbelief
dine indigestibly
upon stale club sandwiches
and senseless death.
a life is excoriated
and the ointment,
doesn't work
the salve stings
like a suppurating wound
The most exquisitely beautiful flowers
are the most fragant and fragile
flagrant in their festooning of colour
and frail in the chills of Spring blast,
defoliated, almost denuded, fuscous yellow in a vase
the stark stalk, and pendulous petals,
an allegory of growth and revivification
a flourishing amulet, a florid tribute, a floret of life.