Mourning

There is a legendary, strange belief
That Romans kept
Their tears within a bottle when they wept
To hold their grief;

Tangible proof of mourning for the dead.
Don’t sigh for her.
Don’t store up sorrow, cry for her.
Don’t lock all your lamenting in your head.

Bring buttercups and gorse, till her grave glows.
Mourn her in gold.
Broadcast your thoughts in brightness; make them bold.
A yellow rose.

Give daffodils to her. Mourn her if you must
With flowered grass.
But it’s enough to picture, as you pass,
Her golden dust.

Margaret Callaway