POETRY

Elegy
Mackenzie Robin

Grief arrives without knocking
To find you suddenly naked in the grocery store deli
I don’t like it. Too bad.
Mourn the living when they become too cruel to know you
Death comes however it needs to
I wish for a father but none will arrive
Does a father need to make sacrifices to protect you, in order to be your father?
Yes.
I out-turn my pockets and then nothing is there
Men want dumb wives, clever daughters, and golden sons as chariots for their name.
I arrive with a flaming sword and a heart dripping with blood
What will you do with me father?
Lift me on your shoulders until I deem your love worthless for its sharp cost.
I hope you’re comfortable
I’m naked for all time.
Grief arrives without knocking.
It doesn’t need to.
It lives in my ribcage.
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