Threnody

by Michael Dylan Welch and Agnes Eva Savich

First published in Blithe Spirit 29:4, November 2019, page 60. Originally written in October of 2017.

the timpani rumbles

into my chest . . .

news of her passing Michael

a sublime oboe note

opens the requiem Agnes

mother’s violin

in its velvet case—

hospice bill Michael

jazz funeral—

the shiny euphonium

wears a wreath Agnes

a cello’s ghostly moan

from the sympathy card Michael

an unknown soldier

bugles Taps . . .

a thousand graves Agnes