Black Tie ©©

With the bottom of my fist I wiped the fog from the glass

A bitter cold day

I saw a tear bounce off the pavement where it was swallowed up by the fresh snow

In the car mirror I could see the tired eyes as I straightened the black tie

Cold fingers reached in as I opened the door burning my exposed face then pulled me out

Walking up the slippery slope, seven more fell in behind in a single file

In silent cadence marching through a somber crowd

Thirty twenty ten no feet to our destination where we parted into two flanking lines

One more joined us as we acdcepted his final burden

This one seened heavier the the one last week

Faces froze in time as the small precesion made its way through the throngs of stones growing out of the ground

I felt the metal brace on the left leg snap leaving the knee it protects to fend for itself

My aunt reached up to hold me erect when my hand fell against her granite pillow

Turning we reached our final destination where we left our host

Without a word we all took a step back to disappear among the others

I saw most of these people just a week ago

At the same place

For the same reason

I need a new brace

I hate black ties

Walker