Second Hand Grief

Second Hand Grief

After his father dies
the son wears his clothes.

First, the black shoes
then the wool pants

and finally the blazer
with nostalgic lapels.

When he was a child
walking with his father

both of them wearing
identical suits and ties

the neighbors marveled
at how much they looked alike.

A thousand mile away
from his father's grave

He steps into his favorite overcoat
and then steps outside

to walk among fathers
and sons, strangers

strangers, strangers
strangers, strangers

strangers, strangers
strangers, all of them.


Sherman Alexie............from One Stick Song