Sunglassed Grief

 

Departing the cemetery 

after watering flowers at the grave

that I visit regularly,

the sunglassed woman

reclining in a beach chair

legs extended in front of her

quietly reading some book

in the midday sunlight,

not in front of a tombstone

but in front of an abundance of floral arrangements

evidence of some loved one's recent burial.

My thoughts cannot help but wonder.

I hope it was not her husband.

She seems too young.

I hope it was not her child

wishing no one that ache.

Perhaps a parent.

Perhaps.

I do not care to nor consider stopping to ask.

None of my business really.

Quietly she sits 

palpably alone.

We, two people

at the cemetery 

for the same reason;

wanting to be close 

to the pain.