V: Eulogy

mound of the earth, the funeral pyre,

sermons of fire, infernos of oak.

burning of briars, spiraling higher,

chorus expired and softly I spoke:

nothing is left, but cinders remain,

warm to the touch, as memories fade.

look to the thrashing showers of rain,

mourn with the hissing coils arrayed.

pound for the taking, body of ash,

weight of the flame, transmuted to wind.

thundering blacks, the cymbals that crash,

scavenging clouds, vultures descend.

weep with the water, falling to feet,

honor your father, drink of his heat.

• August 2025

Submission History

Date	Publication	Status
August 15, 2025	Baltimore Review	Pending
August 16, 2025	American Poetry Review	Pending
August 16, 2025	Missouri Review	Pending
August 22, 2025	Palette Poetry	Pending
August 22, 2025	Willows Wept Review	Pending