"Of Mourning" by Robert McMinn of Glenlyon, Scotland, Third Place, 2015

Of Mourning

by Robert McMinn of Glenlyon, Scotland

Third Place, 2015

Damp, still of morning.
Souls carried on the wail of drones.
Cold, chill of mourning.
Rows and rows of pale grey stones
guard mortal remains.
They anchor and identify.
The chanter sounds refrain.
Singing echoed lullabies.

Damp, chill of morning.
Souls gifted by the sigh of drones.
Cold shrill of mourning.
Blow and blow, not so alone.
Garden gates contain
seeds of past life, memory.
The chanter blends, unseen.
Ringing hush-a-bye. 
In the warmth of mourning.