Runes of Distinction

When I watch you
wrapped up like garbage
sitting, surrounded by the smell
of too-old potato peels
or
when I watch you
in your old man’s shoes
with the little toe Cut Out
sitting, waiting for your mind
like next week’s grocery
I say
when I watch you
you wet brown bag of a woman
who used to be the best looking gal in Georgia
used to be called the Georgia Rose
I stand up
through your destruction
I stand up

They eat beans mostly, this old yellow pair
Dinner is a casual affair.
Plain chipware on a plain and creaking wood,
Tin flatware.
Two who are Mostly Good.
Two who have lived their day
But keep on putting on their clothes
And putting things away.

And remembering…
Remembering, with twinklings and twinges,
As they lean over the beans in their rented back room that
is full of beads and receipts, and dolls and cloths,
tobacco crumbs, vases and fringes.