"Not To Be Dwelled On."
"Self-interest cropped up even there,
the day I hoisted three instead of the ceremonially called-for
two spade fulls of loam on top of the coffin of my friend.
Why shovel more than anybody else?
What did I think I'd prove?
More love-- mud in her eye?
More will to work--
her father, what, a shirker?
Christ, what wouldn't anybody give to get that gesture back.
She cannot die again, and I do nothing but relive."