#438...Necessary Illusions

Necessary Illusions

Well, I see the hospital beds have now been replaced
by polished cherry and
cream quilted lining
rose-colored lights, dimly lit -
to hightlight and warm your cool skin.

The necessary illusions in place now.

Mementos from loved ones too, photos
and trinkets neatly tucked
here and there along side you,
soft sobs, uneasiness, stand behind me.

Funeral flowers to the right of you
funeral flowers to the left of you
funeral flowers above you
and even under you,
all carrying messages of love,
and loss,
and rememberance.
(You hate gladiolas.)

And look, over there,
your husband,
your two small children
the littlest unsure of where you are, really.

Standing shakily as escorts
receiving, in duty, well-wishers
comforting awkward others even.
(Your son doesn't want to be there.)

I look hard for you again,
in that ravaged worn body
under all that manufactured brown hair,

but you aren't there,
are you...

You, wonderful you,
are right here beside me
cursing the make-up artist.

 

~2001floralilia