Maudlin face, head tilt
blood shot eyes
robed in black
she stands with tremor
before a cold gray stone
epitaph wilts

An anniversary
in the absence of celebration
scrambled sentiments bolt through her head
guilt, loss, anger, emptiness
temper that persists
to the cold core of her bones
despite the blistering sun's potency

Worst of all
a child's grievous capture from life
dreaded spectacle that no parent need behold
spears the bedrock
by no means overlooked

All that prevails
skeleton dust
beneath the dark, dank earth
endearing sentiments stretch through the years
laughter, cries, togetherness, family love
trappings of life she holds tight