I feel that familiar guilt everytime
my shadow darkens her headstone.
Ever the errant son, my visits
to her grave come once a year -
Memorial Day, penitentially, flowers
in hand. However, the preacher
said her soul is no longer here
so I've adopted that rationale.
Mom, I know you're not supposed
to be there, but if you are,
forgive me, again. Your son.

--