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After this last death,


by Nonnie Augustine


 

After this last death,

 

I lose at musical chairs.

Rough strangers shove me toward the carved door.

Feeling fierce, I yell, “Don't push me!”

House racked with noise, smells, rushing,

I turn the doorknob.  Cool, quiet, a darkening path.

Arms folded under the hot weight of my breasts,

I lean against the trunk of a tulip magnolia.

The nubs and edges of the massive tree scratch chilled skin. 

I step away, drop my arms, open my palms.

Breezes tease the insides of my elbows.

Dead family murmur, pull until I float

toward them, surprised by ease.

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