There is the stillness
of the body
the way it is laid out
the semi

unclothed state
the flesh
on the scrubbed table
washed and cleaned

they’d said
the head
just so
the hair brushed

as if she
just sleeping
eyes closed
lips sealed dumb

the hands motionless
at her sides
the mother stares
taking in each aspect

of the body
each minute part
of the skin
the bellybutton

the small indentations
she wants to lift
and hold to kiss
the lifeless skin

her daughter
that one
who answered back
who had odd tantrum

who listened to rock music
in her room too loud
silent now
not staring back

with those big blue eyes
of defiance
just there
laid out

head settled
on a small pillow
suffocated
they had said

someone had
pillowed her face
down hard
yet maybe

the mother thinks
if I wait long enough
it will be ok
just a mistake

an error on their part
but she knows
deep down
this is it

her daughter murdered
by some low ****.