Untitled Lament

Not real, no,
no more than a smiling paper bust
floating on
regulatory marbled blue and peach
school-photo photo background.

Who is this square,
covered inplastic? O disconnected
head, brown cloth shoulders,
frozen forever with a smile and straight gaze.

Can you see us? We crowd in
the room set for you - the faithfull share
moments, the mood ebbs from
laughter, tears, silence
and silent memories.

Come back.
This dream looks to be without end.
Red cheeks, filled bins, empty boxes, dead pens.
Comfort found in shared misery.

[begun at 12.06 pm, November 13, 2006; finished at 12.21 pm, same day.]