Sympathy for the Departed - Sept. 22, 2026

my friend Gary down the street

is a serial sunflower grower

he might be on his fifth this year

each one slow to sprout, quick to grow

and show off its yellow-skirted,

brown faced worship of the sun

before bowing to life

and surrendering to death

if they were dogs or cats,

I’d offer him plenty of sympathy

still, I put a hand on Gary’s shoulder

after each one passes