Standing Dedication

He shot his horse.

In a shallow grave

Foaming at the mouth

Rendered useless and

Suffering

And in concert with

The twilight ascending

In its heavy-set sky 

The light was smeared

With the blood on his hands

His crimson-hued guilt

And it reflected his image

Standing remorseful

But stoic 

As he shadowed the corpse

Silently sorry and cursing

At God for His Plan and

The culmination of loss 

In a crescendo crushed

Pity seeping with apologies

Until his regret was dimmed

At the sight of his wife

Approaching with mercy and

Her braided hair

Weaving her compassion

And draped over her shoulder

On her Guardian's stable rest  

Bringing peace to the graveside

From behind their oak tree

Engraved with their dignity

Aged together and blossomed

And as she placed her hand

On the sway of her husband's back

Steadying his burden and

Exorcising his pain

She gave him the strength

And the permission to forgive

Himself and his resolve

And she reminded him to exhale

The aching despondency 

In-exchange for deep breaths

Of love and acceptance

And with no words spoken 

The funeral was palpable and loud