"Fate may not hold that life in as high a regard, and may dispose of it at will."
- Selected Civil War Letters of Edwine Willow
Gathering in a blessed hall
Segmented by gender.
Lines of ancestors, resting
alongside a new neighbour.
Yesterday, rain poured
As if to mourn
What the evening sky would bring
As it opened up and wept.
Today’s sun won’t relent.
A still March day.
China teacups and saucers -
65 years old - a wedding present
Turned prop for visiting mourners.
Comforting a widow.
Long Life
Tuna bridge rolls
salmon bagels
whiskey bottles.
The evening’s sky
Awash with stars
As bright as we had seen them
London’s pollution falling silent too
In respect.