Death Day - John Garn

[Larry Robinson]

Death Day

The time is closer than you imagine
a tear in the veil
gull wings on silent glide
sudden sound of fox scream
in the stillness of the night
The wailing goodbye stripped 
from the throat
too early
leaving only spittle on the chin
and the trace of expectant tears
on a longing’s shadow

Don’t expect roses and cornbread 
on the morning of your death day
the day coming round again this year
seeming to pass as it has
each and every time before
unnoticed
but this time a chair is pulled out
from the battered round table
a long hour sits down and nods
bidding you to join in the savoring 
of your life

	- John Garn