Unending Smoke
by Angela C. Kramer

Runestone, volume 5

Runestone, volume 5
 

Unending Smoke
by Angela C. Kramer

On the first of the Ninth Moon I pray to the grand lady. I steal
her shoes, burn the laces, eat the ashes. My husband catches
the falling torch, as I knew he would from the day he bid me come
by red chair. I hold my anger as I carry you. I name you before
I know you.  The ghosts quiet as I bear you, but we do not celebrate
your third day.  Your grandmother does not kneel before dragons,
curls instead at the smell–two dozen red eggs sour at your absence.

I cannot hold you. They roll you in straw and bury you outside
of town. Wild dogs eat you; I feel their fangs in my womb. Blood runs
red: my luck leaving me. I cannot bear again.