What is a list poem? This poetry style collects a list of people, places, things, ideas, or even words strung together somewhere within a poem to form a list. It is not necessary for the list to rhythm, but the words used should be memorable. I find the freedom when creating a list poem fascinating. The wordplay can be wild and free similar to Indiana weather in the early spring. Therefore, in March, I plan to write a series of list poems. I will title this one Indiana Burial.
Indiana Burial
Flashers on
Escorted caravan
Down a country road
Traffic comes to a halt
To allow the mourners to pass
Telegraph poles
Barren fields
Naked trees
A narrow gravel lane
Past tombstones
Thick dark clouds
Sprinkles of rain
Huddle together under a blue canopy
With the coffin
The 23st Psalms
A cold chill in the air
Your young body is laid to rest
Among the Campbells, Shaffers, Coopers
Cardwells, Mitchels, Shucks, and the Smiths
And don’t forget the Browns
Interned two rows back
A cold hard rain
Falls in earnest from the sky
Wiping our tears we walk away
Stomachs rumpling
Because nothing makes you hungrier
Then an Indiana burial
Who is Molly Shea?
Molly Shea is an accomplished fictional short story writer from Indiana who writes short stories and novels about a fictional town called Tecumseh. To read more of her short stories and adventures, click here.
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Excellent poetry. I’ve been to funerals just like this.
Thank you.