When it comes to the underworld
and the fragility of guesswork,
what makes us think the dead
want evidence of our caring?
At the gravesite, a litany of roses,
good wishes and prayer.
And those who are pretending—
let’s remember at such moments
everyone is an amateur of feelings.
Some of us will be the kind
who say nothing, pivot, and walk away.
Those who choose to speak
will discover it takes other words
to say the words they mean.