13. opto

the black of the clock hands
overlaps perfectly for one minute

i remember the smell of her hair
and the sound of smoke
on her baritone voice

the last time we talked
she said, "I love you."

she laughed, because

it was almost forgotten
in a shuffle of beeps
whirs, and chemicals

did she see death beside her
in yellow robe, and black gloves
ready to love her madly?

i remember the touch
of her long pink fingernails
on my boy cheek

and her kiss on my forehead
the morning before.

the last time we talked,
i said, "I love you."

i laughed, because

I had almost forgotten
in a shuffle of songs and
cut flower. The casket

was a soft maple
and her hair was perfect.

the minute ends
she is gone.

she is gone.

 she is gone.