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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