Sitting with the Dead - Margie S

Margie S. died today, called at 6:15 a.m.
Only 62, surrounded by no one.
A ward of the state since her son went to jail.
I read her prayers I don't believe
about a love I do believe.
And the staff,
about whom you would think the worst
if you saw them out on this street,
came to touch her and say good bye. 

Branding

Used to be what men did to animals.
What owners did to slaves.
Now embraced by the great society.
Our new ideal.
To be branded.