The Body, When Mourning (An Original Poem)

THE BODY, WHEN MOURNING

There is a languid drooping
of the head and the neck
A slouching of shoulders
to shelter a heart, bleeding.
A sad bending
of spine, weighed
by multiple oppressions.

There is a weakening
of the knees, hurt
from the kneelings.
A slow collapsing
of limbs and legs,
lured by earth
for a moment's surrender.

There is a falling down.
A breaking down.

The body's tribute
to dust.