I Watered Annie's Grave Today

Behind my house
Beneath the trees
Sheltered from the springtime breeze
I raked away great whiffs of grief
From Annie's grave today.

Next to the mound of acorn shells
Ripe maple leaves...decaying smells
Fresh waves of grief assault me now
As I touch the wet-cracked clay.

Purple hyacinths, and tulips abound
Lilacs bloom, and all around
Life springs forth from the watered ground
Perhaps a dog can too?

Tied sprigs of springtime, faded and dry
Summer bouquets, wither and die
Autumn now paints another gray sky
And the acorns cover the ground.

Behind my house
Beneath the trees
Sheltered from the springtime breeze
I watered Annie's grave today...
I still can't say "good-bye".