February 6, 2023
FRED FISCHER
Fred died.
Years earlier, he must have had some money,
so he went to a funeral parlor [great name] –
and put down money for his funeral - 2 days -
afternoon and night – a church service and
a burial. Paid for all in
full. Back around 1950.
Fred outlived everyone in his family – everyone
he knew on the Lower East Side of Manhattan –
and everyone he worked with way back when.
At his funeral there were only 4 people: two nuns
who used to visit him – clean his apartment –
do his shopping – and two priests who use
to visit him. I was
one of the two priests.
Easy visit. Nice visit. I’ve done hundreds
of funerals – but Fred’s back around 1968 -
I remember the most. Why?
© Reflections Andy
Costello
February 5, 2023
CEMETERY
Ten years after I die I wonder what
you will say as you stand at my grave.
I rather you’d say that now while
I’m standing here in a moment
of time with you – but no that’s
another occasion. That’s another
type of moment. Whatever!
I just hope there is a “Thank you!”
in the mix of your remembering.
I hope I'm still in the bricks of the
places where we walked and in the
waters under the ferry boats as we
crossed the Narrows below Bliss Park.
© Reflections,
Andy Costello
February 4, 2023
HUNCH HUNTERS
Poets are hunch hunters.
What are you talking about?
Well, poets are trying to get
glimpses into what’s going on.
What are you talking about?
Well, poets listen. They watch.
They spend their time trying to
figure out motives and meanings -
and sometimes put it into words.
Doesn’t everybody do that?
You got it. You got it.
Well then, am I a poet?
You are. Yet you have to
figure that out for yourself.
Sometimes you have to try
to put it into words and images
that nobody seems to understand -
especially yourself. You can do it.
© Reflections,
Andy Costello
