Mrs. Dubose

you are seen there

swathed in shawls and wraps

sitting there, on your porch

CSA pistol concealed

or

you are seen there

a morphine addict

taking it as a pain-killer for years

and still you must have it

a lust, haunting you as you die

it is said

you are seen there

you contrary witch of a woman

who must always have been ornery

you might have died without as much agony

you were strong

and you overcame your addiction

you were strong.

when i watch you

wrapped up like garbage

sitting, surrounded by the smell

of too old potato peels

or

when i watch you

in your old man's shoes

with the little toe cut out

sitting, waiting for your mind

like next weeks grocery

i say

when i watch you

you wet brown bag of a woman

who used to be

the best looking gal in georgia

use to be called the Georgia Rose

i stand up

through your destruction

i stand up

Lucille Clifton. “Miss Rosie” Copyright ©1987 by Lucille Clifton.