Before his body stiffens,
you lift each limb
as if washing a baby,
caress with warm water,
pat dry with love.
Now slip each arm
into his favorite shirt,
button all six buttons.
Pants are harder.
You finish
by buckling the belt —
a big turquoise stone
from the Indian fair.
You lean down
and try once again
to close his eyes.
His gray hair
still smells the same.
