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Ghost weddings are practiced in China and other countries to ensure dead family members aren’t alone in the afterlife. They can unite two deceased partners or one living and one dead.
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February 17th, 2023 (7th Iteration)
In Memory, Floyd Russell Taylor
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I sit contemplating this anniversary.
Wooden window slats at half mast, as the afternoon dims,
Objects are reduced to their profiles.
They start looking like talismans awaiting a wizardly grip,
A wave of his magical hand that makes everything better,
Or even just some things…better. For instance,
High on the wall, a ghost white clock with numerals of black.
A wizard could make it tick backwards to a day before you died.
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A ray of light makes the silvery ring in the jewelry tray gleam.
I put it on, remembering how you found it when I lost it.
The memory of that joy permeates me with your warmth,
Until I feel protected and forever loved.
As if I knew a wizardly power myself, I renew my sense of purpose.
I cannot restore the past and bring you back,
As if you were a wedding ring I foolishly misplaced.
Nonetheless, tomorrow, I must do the near impossible.
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For once again, on another February 18th,
I shall walk into that wide expanse we call the future,
And without you by my side continue on.
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Steven Golden
February 16th, 17th, 2025
Green Valley, AZ
stevengoldenpoetry 