Steven Schroeder | the ancestors already know
The day before Qingming Jie
a gentleman with a soft voice
gently knocks on my front door.
I have heard him gradually
making his way up three flights,
knocking on every door, none
opening, When I open mine,
he seems surprised,
takes a breath,
says I notice you
don't want extermination.
But your neighbors do,
and they're not home.
Will you be sure
to tell them
I came?
I say Will do. Thank you.
But as I shut the door,
I think to myself
who would have thought
the grim reaper was
a blue collar guy
diligently doing a job,
checking off names, wanting
to be sure the powers that be
know he hasn't missed one.
I am touched to know
he wants me to know
he noticed the sign
on my door that says no
pest service and the neighbors
to know he has not failed
to notice their names.
He will come again.
Chicago
4 April 2022
