Alabama

Once a year, the willows bow

A moan thrums from the cave

Floodplain fishes gasp for air

Breadcrumbs through the glade

~

Too many out of season flowers,

Plastic hearts around your grave

Nameless souls who dug for hours

Condemning seasons for the maid

~

Who’s tears have surely furrowed

This sullen earth in waves

Crystallizing in the mirth

Capsizing—I’ll be brave!

~

And as I kneel before you

Lovingly, with a spade

I dig one final hole, you know—

I’ll always be your slave

~

Your obedient daughter

As in life—I still obey

But now with knees a-muddied

I simply. drift. away.