For the Morticians

When we die our bodies are sent to the morgue

where they are primped by the mortician.

They sew our severed limbs back to our lifeless bodies,

and clean out all the fluids, leaving us dry and clean.

Formaldehyde is injected into our veins, preserving us.

We are dressed in suits or dresses of black polyester.

Our jaws are wired shut, our eyes closed.

The hands of the mortician spread thick make-up upon

our dead skin, and style our hair that will never grow again.

Then, when the work is done, the mortician places our bodies

in our coffins, putting us up for display for

our families to come and see us once more.

Dead but still gorgeous, thanks to the mortician.

Rebecca Melendez