gladiolas and grave sites

quietly letting the date close in
when edges show tattered remnants
thinking it has no effect
so many years later
but these things resonate
and remain clear
not faded like a photograph
but vivid in a dastardly mind’s eye
horror and sunlight
gladiolas and grave sites
the scent of midsummer’s decay
swiftly along the river
echoing in a morning bird’s call