Messages From the Dead
By John NizalowaskiWe’re always expecting
messages from the dead,
wisdom from a circle of
stone, ancient black pot,
fire crystal,
smell of juniper,
a rush of nighthawks;
the mountains flow
red like a river.
Find a cactus
with two flowers
no bigger than
a baby’s heart.
Two crimson blossoms—
there is your message.
Interpret them
however you wish.
The dead
understand
perfectly.
