Friday dusk–
Purple and pink bruises
make moonshine along backyard fences.
I’m wrapped up in winning
the weekly boxing match
when you two stop by
dressed in Sunday clothes,
earrings, and easy smiles.
Hugging me like you did when I
was small, sick and unable to rest.
I’d invite you in but there’s laundry,
dishes and uncut grass.
That’s okay, you have an appointment —
picking graves.
It’s to make it easier for us.
Take the guesswork out of grief.
Friday night?
Would you pick caskets
the following evening?
Ruminate on the material
of your headstones over coffee?
Debate the merits
of various linings over lunch?
Then it occurred to me
the ignorance of anger.
The appalled ego backfires pain.
I wanted only to experience
the afternoon of my life,
unaware that to hug each of you,
was to know the eternal love
the sun casts earth.
I watched you both drive away
while you embrace your own sunsets.
© khartless 2022, All Rights Reserved
Flashback Track #59 asks us to share a genre of music you love. I love many genres of music, but it may surprise my readers to learn I have a special place in my heart for country music. One of my first trips out of Virginia was to Nashville, Tennesee to see the Grand Ole Opry. I saw Loretta Lynn with my mother a few years back and it was such a special moment. Likewise, I will always think of my father when I hear CCR, and so to honor both my parents, I’ve included two tracks to enjoy. Do tell, what genre of music is in your heart?
Yard Sale of Thoughts 
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