Ashes
Old woman sits on front porch in Lee County, Mississippi,
her face a mask of lines drawn by
too many funerals,
too many obituary columns,
too many friends and loved ones passed away;
eyes darkened as windows with the curtains drawn.
Old woman sits and watches cars go by
on the road to Tupelo and Memphis;
waves at those who happen to look her way,
waits for grandchildren to come and visit,
says her best friend nowadays is
the old nigger lady who lives down the road;
who comes up now and again to call,
to sit here on the porch with her and have a cold drink and
talk about the Old Days;
eyes darkened as ashes of remembrance.
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