dogwood

The landscaper lives next door to the funeral home.
So
he knows about timing.
Now, right now,
dogwood tree at the edge of his yard is in bloom.
Its wide white petals overhang the funeral home parking lot
and winter’s marble headstones.
One name leans against
another, and another, which leans against the fence
All this below the dogwood whose petals drift down
Slow, slow, between the marble markers or on their tops
Name after name
Ready to be planted now that summer is here