flowers and a card

you get the call
that an elderly aunt has died.
the aunt no one really knew.
was she in philly still,
or jersey.
a decision
has to be made
do you go to the funeral
or stay home.
we toss it around.
say things like who really
knew her. when did she ever
call or send a card.
isn't she married now?
have kids of her own.
did she work?
we know nothing about her.
as she knew nothing
about us. it's been decades
since you've seen her,
but still,
this card in hand, this
notice of death asks
for something to be done.
flowers? you suggest.
yes. she says, flowers.
and a card. roses?