Haunting

It's been 4 years
and still I sleep with your ashes.
I hog the shroud
and i've stolen all your prayers.

Every night I tuck your rosary
under my pillow, along with
your pocketknife
and your last bar of irish spring.

I wear your socks,
your carhartts, and your dogtags
are tucked safely
inside my bra.

Any day now
the spirits will find you
an exorcist.
And you'll be rid of me.


© 2006 Catnapping

attempted rewrite of 'goodbye'...

I held him
pale and plump.
Skin like cold rubber
blue lips
on the verge
of a quiet smile.
Thick lashes resting
on dry cheeks
Ears deaf
to my prayers.

I counted his toes,
and looked
for all his old scars.

Then I covered his body
with crisp white cotton
and tucked it
under his bushy red beard,
hiding the hole
they put in his neck,
too late to save his life.

© 2003/2006 Catnapping