Comfort to the Aged
Jan Wiezorek
They force you to look up,
so strong-armed. They bring
their lunches and canopies
to the cemetery, having
set up camp over one-hundred-
fifty years ago. So many eyes,
softened, as homes for birds,
bringing cool comfort to the aged.
I fully believe violence is storm-
related, but I cannot agree with those
who see you only as utility. I imagine
I was so confused that I needed to take
a photo: so here it is, three varnished slabs
over a rooted base; this one a flattened
surface (like putting face on an enemy)
attached to spinster’s wire for setting plants.
I remember sticking
out my tongue as the only
way to receive the sacrament,
but as I’ve aged, I know
simple uses are authentic,
heaven-sent. So I lie
under you; you sprawl
over me. Dropping seeds, milky.
About the Author
Jan Wiezorek (he/him) writes from rural Michigan. He authored the poetry chapbooks Forests of Woundedness (Seven Kitchens Press, 2026) and Prayer’ s Prairie (Michigan Writers Cooperative Press, 2025). His poetry is forthcoming in The MacGuffin, The Comstock Review, and Dunes Review. Wiezorek is an awardee of the Poetry Society of Michigan and a two-time Pushcart Prize nominee. Visit him at janwiezorek.substack.com.
