Here Lies

A blonde woman in a white sundress stands at a wooded grave.

Here lies Frederick Bartebly.

Born October 13, 1980.

Died December 30, 2010.

After her shift she found his body slumped over on their bed-frame with a glass of moonshine.

The Klonopin capsules spilled all over the sheets.

She remembers her tears flowing like the winter rain before the windows fogged.

She now smiles as her pasty cheeks brightened the sunset shade.

“Here lies Frederick Bartleby, the wise comedian.

He knew that everything doesn't last and you got to laugh while the joke is funny.

He left when the joke got old.

He knew how to party while it lasted and made us laugh until he couldn't.

He would want us to keep the bit rolling and forget the pain.

Here lies Frederick Bartleby.

I still love you.”