For A and J

~

fate has decreed

there’s to be a birth

but first a death,

a dark stain marker

on baptismal white

weighing the scale,

payment is required

before the joyous arrival,

paid up front, paid in full

an old life for new life,

festivities are subverted

as if a surprise,

like oil and water condolences 

and congratulations

can never mix, thus

two names are writ

one on cold stone, 

the other on paper,

dull eyes give way to bright

a long final weak sigh 

heralds a shrill welcome cry

two journeys begin

a mother departs 

a son arrives

account settled.

*

© Graham Sherwood 04/2018