Where Do the Flowers Go In Winter Part Two
(continued from Where do the Flowers go in Winter Part One)
We buried her today
In early March
Winter is almost over
The ground is hard
So was my heart
Everyone dressed in black
Black
Why Black?
I wanted to wear
Well
Orange
Yes
Orange
When I was eleven
I got a part in the school play
"Mom! Mom! I'm going to be an Orange
Mom! an Orange!"
I got the part I'll need you to make my costume!"
"I don't have time
You're in my way
Go outside
You really don't want to be in the play
It's stupid
I don't want my son to play a fruit
a fruit
You want to be an Orange? You're in the sixth grade
Big boys don't play oranges. It's dumb
Your dumb
Tell Mrs. Wilson no. Tell her no..."
They covered her up
I placed a white rose upon her grave
We went home.
No dinner
I was hungry
But I could not bring myself to eat
For all others were in grief
I went into her room and sat in her chair
I listen through the walls, words of sadness I hear
They told loving stories of this woman
How caring passionate kind she was
How she was an asset to the community
How well she raised her children
Three fine girls and a son
And a son
How appropriate
Just
And a son, not a fine son
How could he be a fine son?
She's been dead for four days
And not one drop of water has left his two eyes
My father placed his hand on my shoulder
"Son I know how hard your taking this..."
"I never wanted children!
Your Father did
He told me he would adopt
Adopt!
Good God rest my soul
So I consented
Three girls, a boy, then you
My family was complete
Four children. You had a brother
If he didn't die. If he was alive
I wouldn't of had you
(continued on Where do the Flowers go in Winter Part Three)
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