Somewhere in Michigan

As a child
I remember Michigan
as old women gazed upon me
from their crib-like beds
with shrouded eyes

as Death stood waiting
at the door

I was six and all dressed up
feeling somewhat strangely proud
never had I seen Death in waiting
but there he was and so was I
Somewhere in Michigan

Those old men knew what I did not
Life is incomprehensible
and Death stood his watch
at the door

Leather-like skin pulled taut against
their skulls. They looked at me
knowing full well that one moment
I would be 6 and wake up 50

My skin getting thin around my eyes
My brain screams for life but
I forget what that is anymore

flight attendants and trains have helped
to ready me for my journey
I know where it will take me now
to a simple plot on Union Street

I’m tired now so I prepare to go
for Death stands waiting at the door

I ready myself
to lay it all down
in exchange for the earth
that is deep and brown

with a gentle
blanket of green
life to me has become
quite obscene

Somewhere in Michigan