One Flesh Poem by Clyde King

Our life together passed as
quickly as the exhalation
of a breath, though infinitely
more substantial.
We were one flesh.

We were married forty-three
years. I asked you to marry me,
quite unromantically, as we were
riding in my ‘73 VW van. I was afraid
you'd say no or let me think
about it as you were wont
to ponder big decisions.

To my elation, you said "yes"
without hesitation. I'm so grateful
that you were the woman I needed.
You are gone now, asleep in death.
Others say that death is a
natural thing. I say that's bullshit.
Ask anyone that has had
a loved one die, especially
a mate or a child.

Death is an eventuality for
all living things and the dead
return to the dust from
whence they came. No debate.

"Man is born into sorrow
as the sparks fly upward, "
declared the righteous Job.
He knew about death, loss,
pain and sorrow. So will we
one day.

But, enough about death.
Verbum sap!

Dec.2020