Funerals
nevertheless
she showed up
dress and heels
string of pearls
commandeered
an empty pew
way in the back
and found a spot
on the floor
and stared at it
it got her through
the appointed speakers
the poster prayer
the clammy hands
and out the door
to the blinding sun
and long, low shadows
to where the grass grows
and each crack in the sidewalk
draws you closer to your car
get in and shut the door
and take a breath
and turn the key
and drive away
wipers swishing
TL