Bob Trotman, Ophelia, carved wood, Hickory Museum of Art Collection, 2004

Brenda Smith
GRAVE MESSAGE
After “Ophelia” by Bob Trotman

Ophelia, I can’t help but look at you,
head flung back
my eyes skiing down the slope of your neck
straight into your cupped hands and holding me right there
right within your palms as if to say in your repose,
Stay here, don’t go, my heart has something to tell you.
I can tell you a few things about domineering fathers, accusing brothers,
and most of all
about inconstant love.
My Hamlet , my love, consumed my heart
and then spit it back out,
but I caught it, right here in my palms.
I saved it for you
to save you from those that would take from you
your freedom, your self-worth, and most of all, most of all,
above all other concerns of the earthly world
Your love.
Stay a while and listen.