The Maynard
Fall 2019

{grave-tending}

Behind St. Mary’s in Kilasarn
we weed your parent’s grave

then your sister my aunt who married
Jesus 60 years ago says

I don’t want to go in here.
But there is space, you say, your space.

I want whatever’s easiest. Cremation.
Nearest St. Louis’ plot, no stone.

You say, but we’ll never find you.
I want what’s easiest. We eat lunch.

Watch Gibraltar tie the Republic, saddest
game ever. Easier not to be found. No goals.

You tell me I need to get a colposcopy.
I’ll make it my summer plan, I say going

out the door to smoke knowing full well
what claims half the family and I’m the last.