Author: Elizabeth Maynard

I'm no cat but I
would lick soft cream all day long
if you poured for me

Each of your green wings
pushes you out in the world
to bridge soil and sky

One day, bright shining
you will gaze unshaded at
what you have become

I saw your coffin today
tied to the top of that van
No hearses here
unless you are wealthy
It is already too much
that you are gone
Now they take you home
wrap you in linen
set you to rest at sunset
with the bones of all
who came before

There is some place on this green earth
that will, one day, receive me
all my complaints will end there
everything unfinished drawn to a close
I will be released at last
into the great mystery

We turn so slowly to the sun
rose light kissing every leaf

Soft tumbling words from
these lips reach across thin air
to find home with you

I know no other way forward
we will never be
more or less than this

I knew you in Paris
singing from every window
all red fluttering
and emerald light

Other people live
in houses crowded
too many dishes
not enough hope