There’s an anthill on your grave

that wasn’t there a year ago,

and that’s how long it’s been

since I brought your bones a beer

as if you’re living

underneath the sod,

writing songs

and smoking the shit out of a Marlboro

picking up strangers

as they walk by

clutching their rosaries,

but you’re not doing anything-

you’re dead

and nobody says it

nobody says “oh yeah, he’s dead”

when your memory’s passed around

like a birthday card

or obscene photograph

and sometimes it circulates like a bill

that nobody wants to take care of,

so the ants must be paying rent

because you make fun of freeloaders

made fun of freeloaders.

I shouldn’t act like you’re still here,

slapping the thought

of slapping my head

as you walk by the couch

to grab your keys

and yell

‘I’m off to kiss corporate’s ass!’

while the laughing wastrel

awake on the couch,

fully dressed

and drowning in job applications,

twirls her eyes

and prays you’ll turn around

and kiss her

before you go.

© Banjoyln 

Banjolyn is a natural at capturing raw emotions within her poetry. ‘Today I’ll use the crayon that says you’re gone’ is part of her ‘Crayon’ poetry collection which can be found on her Allpoetry account. To read more of her work visit:

AllPoetry: https://allpoetry.com/banjolyn