Rest In Peace Poem by Michael Pruchnicki

There is an old cemetery on the south side
where the casual visitor may happen upon
one of those old-fashioned gated plots
dedicated to a family of local renown

Sinners and saints, matriarchs and offspring
lie in neat rows rank on rank like soldiers
under crosses and stars of David
quietly awaiting the sound of trumpets

We grew up nearby on crowded streets
in brick tenements and two flats over
saloons and funeral parlors with riffraff
and hooligans destined for the gallows

We hustled our lives away on sordid streets
whispering the hail mary full of grace
with our last breath attended by cousins
and neighbors thirsting for a cold drink