46.

Stones From the Nearby Creek Bed

Zeke was buried across the creek beside Maggie.

It was a late September afternoon.

No words were spoken.

After shoveling soil over his blanket-wrapped body

we packed it firm & smooth with our hands

& fitted a double-layer of stones from the

nearby creek bed over the mound.

As we rose to leave I struck the shovel

three times against the stones

& they rang like bells.