The Stone-Covered Sea
Stephanie Anderson
He has gone beyond
the stone-covered sea.
The youngest daughter tries
to lift him
with cups of salt-water
and a voice that splinters
like ice.
The grandchildren
sneak their small fingertips
toward the frozen untouchable,
the eldest tugs at their sleeves.
One of the sons
watches unceasing stones skipping,
every impact
more hollow and distant.
Inside, the wall of flowers
mutes careful voices.
Far away, his heavy horses
are waiting.
The wife has stepped outside.
A man with machine-worked hands
and unseeing eyes
is holding himself up against
the rail by the steps.
She understands.
He cannot come in.
Agrarian Utopia by Ehren LohseAnomie at the Sea by Ashley Moriarty
The Stone-Covered Sea by Stephanie Anderson