February 17th, 2023/3rd Iteration

February 17th, 2023

3rd Iteration

In Memory of Floyd Russell Taylor

I commemorate him here where he lays
Stilled, in a room apart from the wailing
Ruined, born under runes of misfortune.
A bird from the sill alights into flight,
While high in the blue bright, her winged kin
Cartwheel joyfully as his spirit joins
Their swell, delaying Heaven for a day,
Perhaps a night.  Among the plebeians
He sees a hapless “Steves,” his happiness
Utterly forsaken, though he be not.
If the ceiling be uncovered to sight
A hovering Russ, the knots of sorrow
In his heart could be undone, utterly.
A plot of grief should hold a hope like gold,
Not ash, as if hope lie dashed. Sting these words
Into the tombstones.  Let them gleam, glisten.

Listen to Steve sing, then dance your answer.