Three Poems

by Laurel Sparks Sellers


REASON TO BELIEVE

I feel no pain,
the bullet lodged in my body
relaxes my thoughts.
My mind turns
as the pages of a book,
but no one touches me.
Staring down at me,
they weep and wonder –
Why so young?
Why him?
The war I fought
meant many things
to many people.
Why couldn’t I
let it mean something
even though
I had no reason
to fight for?
It cost my life –
A trade for peace,
happiness.
So others could do
the same?
Hardly.
Now as they prepare
to lay me down to earth,
I’ll remember the crying
of those who loved me most.
But never bothered
to show it.

TOMBS OF HOME

Ugly scents violate labored breaths
and gritty moans echo the dank seclusion,
while muffled nests lodge allies
in premature tombs of home.
The pungent stillness tortures
as death lingers in rehearsed plans.
Nightmare?
No,
nursing home.

AN INTERRUPTED FAREWELL 

She wept at the newly-dug grave
Cross legged
Head bowed
Touching fresh dirt.
Her loved one just gone
The memories not yet formed,
Only begun.
Grief as potent as the flowers
Left behind by mourners
Numbs her.
She will heal, her tears will dry
Time will guarantee that.
Just not today, nor tomorrow.