THE STAGNANT REASSURANCE OF THE DEAD
 

when my mother comes
she is gentle
walking on air
her flip-flops make no sound
her gown hangs in no breeze
she talks to my mind
showing only soles of shoes
peeks of the bottom of her feet

only at first i saw
her hands doing things
her hands praying
reaching for chinese food
aunt rachel's ring

she was the only girl not married

when my mother comes
she is gentle
i am not afraid
she talks quietly
taking the startle in me
she sits on
the sides of my bed
bringing scents of solace

she moves my keys
takes my tapes
flashes my lights
shakes my bed
drops loose coins
saying about men
"God will choose"