fallen verses

We all bear black flowers.
A valuation of the self is always the hardest.
External actions all have dollar amounts.
There is no exchange rate for love.
Contrary to popular belief, you do take it with you
And we have all been made poorer.

We all bear black flowers.
The summer wind blows: hot, worsening the sweat
Inherent in black blazers and high-collared dresses,
Doing nothing to ease the chill in our hearts.

We all bear black flowers.
We rain them down upon you
Before the dirt
And they fall like heavy raindrops, like hail-
Each one sounding a peal of thunder.
Above, our tears rain
Adding to the skies’ rain
Adding to the rain of petals.
Grief mingles and floods
And will leave a stain on our shoes.

We all bear black flowers.
The final word of the prayer introduces silence.
Silence shrouding you in the bosom of the earth.
We, preparing for our own journey,
Ask for a benediction.