Roasting Marshmallows
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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.
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Heartfelt and relatable
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Compelling and original writing
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Well-structured & engaging content
Excellent storytelling
Original narrative & well developed characters
Comments (1)
Id gladly come back as a ghost to haunt the caretaker! I’d steal his marshmallows too! 😀 well written!