They ain’t raised the rent since a democrat was president
Last time they freed the roof from soggy leaves
Bells line the sills, customer, our current resident
Rainwater shooting from the eaves
No one cut the lawn since the uncles and the kids are gone
Flew in last minute for the services
Came with only carry-ons, three days then left for home at dawn
Couldn’t stand the dust and dirty dishes
How will you know you are mourning?
Will tears cascade like rain?
Will grey, grey clouds give warning?
Will the weather bring your pain?
As others wept you stayed upstairs and overslept
Watched Johnny Carson as the wake went late
What does he do all day?
Do you believe the way this place is kept?
You hear them criticize and castigate
But they weren’t here to witness birthdays, graduations missed
So many years since we gave a shit about that lawn
And that long, long list of clinics, shrinks and therapists
So long before her grave she was gone
How will you know you are mourning?
Will thunder make your plane?
Will it first forebode then come stormin’?
Low to precipitate

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