Vacuuming Around the Dead
Dirt finds a way to lie with remains —
casket open, deceased propped up,
lips purple, fine-lined, sewn tight,
eyes gray, dust layered on face.
Lights go bright, vacuum whine,
bristled brush swish, grime erased
like life. Chapel dim again, hose
stowed, lid closed, the cleansed,
sealed in. Filth, final ride, outside,
dumpster gaping on a moonless night.
