How I spend my time when I'm not epinionating

[jsgoddess]

But soon

I'm writing speeches for my father's wake,
deciding how I'll hold my hands and head
while speaking calmly of the newly dead,
enunciating grief without mistakes.
I will not pull away if strangers break
my spine in crushing hugs, attempt to thread
their fingers through my own. I will not dread
their platitudes or pity, and will make
myself a smiling puppet. Casseroles
will bring me solace. I will never cry
in public, nor permit my hands to tremble,
nor fuss when dripping calla lily bowls
leave lasting rings on the piano. I
will be as still as that man I resemble.

[Grouch]

Powerful stuff!
I'm impressed.
I especially like the image of the casseroles bringing you solace. And the final line was a real kicker.

Hope you've sent this out to magazines...

[sylvanb]

This is amazing on so many levels - you have used a demanding and rigid form, and created within it something that - I can only say, "Yes, that's it exactly!"

[jsgoddess]

Thanks to you both.

Grouch, while I've published a few pieces, it's not something I consider a goal. The ones I've published have been by request.

I think I'm afraid of turning a passion into a job!

Thanks again.

Julie