a body in
the rotunda lay

in state for
all to see

ideals displayed
in drab repose

a nation on
its knees

we can’t
believe

what eyes
behold

mute tears
stain blighted
faces

the Capitol just
a corpse filled
tomb

democracy
a mouldering
grace

Edvard Grieg:
Aase’s Death

Oakland
11/22/13
jbm