The Appeal of Cremation

A poem by Lily Selthofner, 2021.

release into the smoke

ashy fiery flames

burn the same as ancient wood.

a rising phoenix

or a slow decompose

earthy wormey dirt

breaks down my baby bones.

an immortal transition

away from life’s debt

face melting, skin burning 

maggots fill the lily.

inhale, exhale, stop.

which to choose:

to fly or to rot.