living with ghosts

your ashes came in the mail today
I sifted through you with my fingers
grit collected under my nails

must have gotten your skull
I found your fake teeth
always loved the curve of your forehead

I told a friend what I had done
she said it was bad juju
didn't stop me though

I knew you would approve
measuring white and gray
how much did your love weigh

—Robyn Flatley