A Sliver of Sky

You wore this faded

plaid like a second skin

carried it into the wilderness

to track deer in gauzy pre-dawn light.

Threadbare pocket protected

your unsmoked Winchesters.

Flannel absorbed sweet vapor of filtered cigars

burnt tobacco staining fingers, teeth, and lungs.

You folded these sleeves over your tumors

pressed them close to your infested chest.

We wrapped your body in this shirt’s sister

—a different plaid to mingle with your ash

but this one I pull close

let it banish Spring’s lingering chill.

Flash Issue 9