Life by a River
The fetid smell of the water
It masks the stench
Pulled from the river
The cops and crowd
gather and recoil
wretch, shake, and shiver
Barricades in position
Ambulance and cruisers pass
Like a holiday parade
The meat wagon pulls close
Shutters and matches snap
Complexions fade
Been missing for days
Dead for much longer
Unrecognizable but known
Bloated and wet
Stinking of rot
Dead and alone
Word is given
Stuffed in a body bag
She is taken away
The scene is cleared
Most go home
Some stay
