Magpie Tales 103: Hands And Legacy

A grave in the Novodevichy Cemetery, Moscow

salutation

I was the last one standing 
in the driveway to wave goodbye. 

visitors come then leave 

and it is our custom and 

good manner to wave as the 

visit ends.  remember to 

look back, look to your right, 

or to the left if you turn in a 

different direction, but look. 

remember my face, even if 

all you can see 

is my arm outstretched, 

my salutation, 

my hand open

to fading daylight 
and coming 

night. 

Poem © 2012 R. Burnett Baker 

Photo courtesy Tess Kincaid