murder 3

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murder

(excerpt)
at the funeral
the ground yawned
like a beast
who has lost his taste but not his craving
they lowered the brown
plywood box
(with mahogany veneer)
the minister
related her tragedy

but emphasized
it made little real difference
since none of us was built to survive
her parents
pinched each other
with glances, the service
ended in whispers.
the chief of detectives was the first to leave
taking notes he waited by the cemetery gate
examining each face like an usher
checking tickets
to make certain
that everyone who has attended was living.
and as the mourners left
and stepped into their limousines

their heads were turned;
the earth was heard to belch
as the body rose up

evaporated.