For years I arranged
the butterfly and stone frog
under just your name.

I sat on your side,
whisking away the earwigs,
and pulled up the weeds.

I shook the dust off
the season’s silk arrangement,
remembering YOU.

Ma-Ma might forgive,
but she would never forget-
still, she left flowers.

Festoons cascading
over the whole monument,
honoring you both.

One that sought to live,
another that chose to leave-
so many questions.

She is with you now,
My turn to purchase bouquets
for all of you here.

She would counsel me-
She would want her neighborhood
to have symmetry.

If David could lament Saul, 
then maybe I can
put flowers on his side, too.