to begin.
five or six in a circle.
stock still.
hard as rocks.
further.
one alone.
solitary.
hands outstretched.
going down for a third time.
four walls.
a portal.
or eyes upturned.
reflecting the blue.
of either sky.
nevertheless.
a hand.
scattering the ashes.
the other holding the satchel.
the water.
and the wind.
then.
the drone.
the descending dark.
in a circle.
fading.
the damp.
clinging to the skin.
a shadow.
sketching an arc.
easing the sting.
in their midst.
almost a whisper.
as if a presence.
the blue swelling.
the close of the eyes.
then.
the satchel empty.
the fingers grey-tinged.
and stillness.
the light breaking.
2004