that I have known the dead and now I’m
dying
as they spoon the succotash and
noodles
into a skull
past
caring.
that I have known the dead and now I’m
dying
in a world long ago
gone
leaving this is
nothing.
loving it was
too.
that I have known the dead and now I’m
dying
fingers thin to the
bone,
I offer no
prayers.
that I have known the dead and now I’m
dying
dying
I have known the dead
here on earth
and elsewhere;
alone now,
alone then,
alone.
–Charles Bukowski