Reverse Suicide by Matt Rasmussen

and we pour bag after bag of leaves on the lawn

Reverse Suicide

by Matt Rasmussen

---

The guy Dad sold your car to
comes back to get his money,

leaves the car. With filthy rags
we rub it down until it doesn't shine

and wipe your blood into 
the seams of the seat.

Each snowflake stirs before
lifting into the sky as I 

learn you won't be dead.
The unsuffering ends 

when the mess of your head
pulls together around

a bullet in your mouth. 
You spit it into Dad's gun 

before arriving in the driveway
while the evening brightens 

and we pour bag after bag
of leaves on the lawn,

waiting for them to leap 
onto the bare branches. 

Black Aperture (LSU Press, 2013).