Requiescat (May he rest)

This is another poem that began as a Facebook status. It was inspired by a visit to my father's grave.

Requiescat

In the midst of
military precision decorated
with discreet bouquets,
one grave

near my father's
breaks rank,
boasting
a 3-ft. Christmas tree,

fully decked
(lights included);
the family has
roped off the site

with silver
tinsel garland strung
on giant candy cane poles and
plastic poinsettias

thrust into the ground.
The crowning touch:
mammoth Santa hat stretched
onto the headstone.

My mother and I walk on
to wreathe
my father's name
with holly.

© Leticia Austria 2012