the dying vine

notice of the dead

comes late these days,

news arrives after

the dirt has been shoveled

and the crying done.

the quiet whisper

from a friend.

calls you on the phone.

did you hear, she says?

he's gone,

or there's something

in the paper.

a square of words, a picture

in the obituaries.

a week ago, in his sleep, 

says one.

it appears 

that the grapevine

is no longer reliable.

so many grapes

have been picked

or fallen to the ground,

news and gossip

comes late these days,

so much for the dying vine.