On the verge of frost
Treading on sullen turf, I find her by the jogger’s path,
trembling in the wind, and crimson garb
scattered at her feet.
November has washed out her skin,
forgetting the black swells on its surface –
Apiosporina morbosa.
If not winter or spores,
it will be the notice, posted in bold, that kills her:
DISEASED WOOD MUST BE DESTROYED IMMEDIATELY
(burned, buried, or removed from site)
This is the uncut pauper’s funeral.
~ Kathy Qian
Kathy Qian is a sixteen year old high school senior from Calgary, Canada. She enjoys social work and volunteers regularly for her local crisis call centre. Kathy is also interested in classical music, and has an ARCT diploma in piano performance.
Leave a Reply