Bodyweights Poem by Dharma Gill

A rice ritual sprays the air
In respect to embalm the spirits
Of the dead wrapped in bandages,

Soaked in tears, preserved
In the day of their remembrance,
Blessings are bestowed on the deceased,

Who are freed from religious control,
Cultural brainwashing, political ambush,
Economic chaos, crisis of commerce,

Irresponsible globalization, communist rule
And the ball and chain of capitalism.
Tailored traditions, ceremonial acts,

During one minute of silence,
Significant moment symbolic,
Meanings surface, messages embodied.

The crust absorbs lifeless bodies,
Cold and pale bleached weights
Burden the earth. Death multiplies.

The sharp handful of needles
Forced and twisted into pressure points,
Releases the trapped chi from fallen skies

And opens air valves to let free
Colorless shadows that stale the air
With dependency on manmade faith.

Dead spirits forgotten in flare of the sun
Perish into shadowy realms.
Human forms forged in the fire of elements.

Overconsumption of mortal remains,
Stored like carbohydrates, constipate
The breadbasket of earth’s digestive organ.