POETRY

Ars Oratoria

by Amanda Frechin

In the cold wake of death,
Someone will fashion themselves as a great orator.
They will give you unavailing advice.
"You must learn to live again."
But there is no forgetting.

A starving man can all but taste the meal on his tongue.
He would take rotted meat as gratefully as sweet fruit.
It is like this after death.
You slaver at remains.

Every cup drains empty like your grave.
Every step brings you closer to your grave.
Every day means one less day to wait.

"You must learn to live again."
And you do, but with
One foot in a coffin,
One eye on the clock.

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