Mrs. Dubose
you are seen there
swathed in shawls and wraps
sitting there, on your porch
CSA pistol concealed
or
you are seen there
a morphine addict
taking it as a pain-killer for years
and still you must have it
a lust, haunting you as you die
it is said
you are seen there
you contrary witch of a woman
who must always have been ornery
you might have died without as much agony
you were strong
and you overcame your addiction
you were strong.
Miss Rosie
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 weeks grocery
i say
when i watch you
you wet brown bag of a woman
who used to be
the best looking gal in georgia
use to be called the Georgia Rose
i stand up
through your destruction
i stand up
Lucille Clifton. "Miss Rosie" Copyright ©1987 by Lucille Clifton.