What Becomes The Sin Eater Poem by Kyle Schlicher

who takes it
upon
themselves,
this burden
of
sinful trespass?

where goes
the
afterlife
of
the
cursed one?

who will
dig
the grave
for
the
accused innocent?

gray sky,
bone chilling dampness,
all
signs
to be reckoned with
in
the hereafter

until

the dirt
has
been
returned
onto
the grave.

tears cried
as
a
solemn farewell
has been
sermonized.
………………..
olden
hunched over
figure
moves
weaving
in and out
amongst
the
headstones.

yesterday
was
a blessing.

tomorrow
is
not
promised.


(9-22-1976)