My Father’s Requiem

He mixes cement in a graveyard,
in Cameron Parish, Louisiana.

His shovel scrapes,
stirring with his voice
as he mutters to himself about death —
its victory and sting.

Like a priest pouring wine for the Eucharist,
my father cements my baby brother into his grave
to keep him there during hurricane season.

He stands surveying his work,
a small concrete slab.