Roasting Marshmallows

In the fall

the caretaker will rake leaves from atop your grave

the leaves will be taken to a giant pile

and there they will be cremated

_____

In the spring and summer

the caretaker will mow grass from atop your grave

the grass will be taken to a giant pile

and there it will crisp and writhe in cool blue flame

_____

In the winter

the caretaker will chop trees to make room for your new neighbors

the wood will be taken to a giant pile

and there it shall rage eternal against the cold, desolate night sky

_____

and over that raging campfire

the caretaker will warm his hands while roasting marshmallows

and telling stories of ghosts

and haunted graveyards

_____

Copyright © 04/28/1987 by Christy Munson. All rights reserved.

Author's Note: This poem previously was published in a collegiate literary magazine and earned that university's annual top prize for excellence in poetry.