Shelly Bryant

Overcast

A dangling heirloom fingered, wiping away the first raindrops on a dreary day. Feet shuffle on the grass, anxious for the final "Amen" to dismiss them. Hopefully before the deluge gets under way.

A second drop falls on the lily's white petal, sent from eye rather than sky. The hand falls from the stone at her throat. She steps forward and kneels beside the upturned earth, offering grandmother a freshly cut farewell gift.

darkening –
jade aged
against her flesh