You only get a minute.
The stone has not been set.
Before you hear the question,
“Are you seeing someone yet?”
You have not filed the insurance,
transferred a single bond
before they sing the litany,
“Remember life goes on.”
It’s not the lonely evenings
that strike terror in your breast.
It’s the envelopes that come addressed
to “Ms. You and your Guest.”
The delemma’s not just grieving
or even what to wear
but where you find a body
to escort you to affairs.
They say you’re far too fussy.
There is nothing much out there.
They use as their criteria
if a man can breathe and stare.
I’d run away to Tonga,
Abu Dhabi or Tibet,
but I know that someone there would ask,
“Are you seeing someone yet?”
If you find yourself a widow,
start wailing right away.
You only get a minute
before you have to play.
When Your Husband Has Died – A Survival Guide
This poem is the prologue to Reflections from a Woman Alone by Corinne Edwards
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
It’s a lovely poem, Corinne, about love lost to death. But with respect to you and your fine poem, I suggest:
“The delemma’s not just grieving”
In misery you can’t share
“But where to find a body”
You can love again and care.
Hi Reed -
I think you should include some poetry in your new book. You are good at it.
Nice suggestion.
Corinne: You’re very kind, but NOT as good at it as YOU are!