One day we leave the city for its limits
To chase long-rested leaves off family graves
And let the children play among the mausoleums.
We are not all farmers anymore—
At first hands fumble with a spade into dark
Beds of pioneers whose stones stare back our name.
Let the lilies go? We are but idle strangers
Let us thin them and find each other
—Emily Stout
Published in the May 17, 2013 issue: View Contents