The Floor Plan of the Taj Mahal
by Hezekiah Allen Taylor

For Jenny, Jenny

centers too much on the unknown
what it takes to get in good with death
the intricate designs trapping ghosts
in each upward curl, releasing them
in the straight line

I was never very good at straight lines
they are too simple, make me too vulnerable
I prefer the rounded: fat and excess
more at home with the living

the end should be sparse
a sprinkling of ashes trailing lightly
through the carved temple stone
like that moment when I first discovered
that a hall of mirrors could be so easily navigated
simply by looking down to find
the unbroken line of maze

Francine's Version -- Hezekiah's Version -- Inspiration
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