Michelle DiSarno
The Laws of Mourning
Only after
the covering
of mirrors
does the soul
of the departed
return
to the place it lived
to mourn
with us (or for us?)
The spirit does not want to see the skin
it’s leaving.
We do not want to look upon
death in our faces.
Between the passing and burial
is suspension
of music of words
of marital union.
For this is separation:
flesh from family,
body from house.
The room must be prepared;
We need a shape for this.
Candles are carried
and we sit low
as consolation comes
with casseroles.
After 7 days the soul is ready
to go.
After 30
I can get a haircut,
buy some new clothes.