The Coroner
he died
by the lull
of the sea
somewhere
in his sleep
too soon
to enjoy
days in the sun
when the job
was finally
finally
finally
done
and put to rest
left
to another’s hands
for all the comfort
he gave
to a stranger
hurting
25 years of tears
he shed
as he drove his truck
away
from countless
scenes
images that wouldn’t
let him be
of unthinkable things
that happen
day
and night
as the seasons
turn
like the last cry
of a newborn babe
left in a sewer
to die
a
l
o
n
e
he made sure
the baby had a name
a proper burial
a blessing
…
you mattered
little one
and you’ll always, always
have a home …
TL