Rest in Peace
by Rick Rohdenburg
Father has put on his uniform.
It bulges absurdly everywhere.
His coffin, draped with a flag,
prepares to sail for distant waters.
Forgive him his vanity,
he who fought no wars,
gained no glory, went to bed drunk
and got up logy,
stumbling toward reveille.
It bulges absurdly everywhere.
His coffin, draped with a flag,
prepares to sail for distant waters.
Forgive him his vanity,
he who fought no wars,
gained no glory, went to bed drunk
and got up logy,
stumbling toward reveille.
Rick Rohdenburg attended the Writers' Workshop at Brown University, then spent thirty-five years working as a systems analyst. He did not begin publishing until past sixty. His work has appeared in the Chestnut Review, Laurel Review, Raleigh Review, and others. He was nominated for a Pushcart Prize for 2021. Now retired, he lives in Atlanta, Georgia.