AS HE TALKED I WATCHED HIS BLACK MOUSTACHE,
AND THE FLAP OF LOOSE SKIN ROTTING OFF HIS CHEEK

In the funeral business we have
invented a pair of microchips that bring
the dead back to life.
One is inserted in the small of the back.
The other goes over the sternum.
Although the body still decays
these chips slow the process so
recipients can live ten years after death.
All these zombies work for us. That way they keep
the secret safe—for the sake of the biz.
They are smart and productive
and lead normal lives. I asked one

what he did
with his time.

He showed me a photo album
of some intimate parties
and pictures of him

eating ice cream with his wife