linear notes on a celebrated death

when lovers die

     should we hold plays?
     with commotion in the wings?
          ex-lovers complaining
               they didn’t get enough time
               to walk the stage
          ex-lovers complaining
               at least they got
               to walk the stage
          ex-lovers proclaiming
               don’t anyone dare complain
               about walking the stage
               that fucker made me a cripple

     or should we hold wakes?
          and stop ruffling the drapes
          because though the silence is immense
          complaining can’t bring what’s dead back