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Temporary marker.


When red clay dries and turns to dust, it can make almost anything seem like a sunset. Pulling into the shallow ditch that harnesses road to time and places forgotten we visit burial grounds Burial Ground
Aceldama

potter’s field; burial place for strangers. [N. T.: Matthew 27:6–10, Acts 1:18–19]

Alloway graveyard

where Tam O’Shanter saw witches dancing among opened coffins. [Br. Lit.
 ancient to me. In the granite stones I can touch ninety-five years back. The burnt orange film bypasses these markers, tardily tar·dy  
adj. tar·di·er, tar·di·est
1. Occurring, arriving, acting, or done after the scheduled, expected, or usual time; late.

2. Moving slowly; sluggish.
 situated as finances permitted.

Among them I recognize my past as shallow and small. So I hold onto my father's words that tumble from between his lips as he recounts the history of this lonely family acreage.

I force faces and bodies onto his memories, fanaticizing them into someone I must have

known in real life. I search the colored section of the grounds for other must-have-knowns.

Instead, I find temporary markers - in case someone forgets. I get closer to read the etched etch  
v. etched, etch·ing, etch·es

v.tr.
1.
a. To cut into the surface of (glass, for example) by the action of acid.

b.
 dates that compete with settling dust.

The permanence Permanence
law of the Medes and Persians

Darius’s execution ordinance; an immutable law. [O.T.: Daniel 6:8–9]

leopard’s spots

there always, as evilness with evil men. [O.T.: Jeremiah 13:23; Br. Lit.
 of the tiny concrete patches becomes clear. These are markers not permitted to become worthy to repel re·pel  
v. re·pelled, re·pel·ling, re·pels

v.tr.
1. To ward off or keep away; drive back: repel insects.

2.
 arid, red Alabama dirt.
COPYRIGHT 1999 African American Review
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Copyright 1999, Gale Group. All rights reserved. Gale Group is a Thomson Corporation Company.

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Article Details
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Author:Hooks, Gabriele
Publication:African American Review
Date:Mar 22, 1999
Words:167
Previous Article:Saint Norma.(poem)
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