Daughter

returns to her father's side
by her own hand
suddenly at home the obituary said
now more family underground.

Cemetery visitors will notice disturbed earth
digging is uncommon in this
19th century final resting place
and also uncommonly done for one in early midlife

the white board fence, maintained by
neighbors, was freshly painted last time
I was there for her father, my brother-
with my uncle checking on the headstone

a pleasant day, in digging season, dry and clear
mature rock maple trees, mossy grass underfoot
I cheered my brother's choice of where to rest,
no doubt this weeks' visitors will also approve

even as they question what forces combined
to suddenly bring them to this place,
all dressed up, apprehensive, awed
leaving tears and flowers as they go.

These words in ink may linger,
last, maybe into the next century
and they will pull my neice
along with them

much longer than her obituary
which lists survivors on that date
but says nothing about Julie
nor her last thoughts.