E. Martin Pedersen AshesCremains, they're called nowI didn't know that term I didn't know it would cost so muchTo make Papa burn. Counting out hundred dollar billsTrying correctly to mournThen looking at old photographsOf when Papa was born.Born to burn A daring adventureHe smiled more in his youthHe got so tired, he just gave upTo tell the truth.And we will have a serviceTo respect his memoryThere might be cryingThen his ashes will blow awayInto the indifferent sea. I Kissed YouI kissed you during the earthquakeI knew it wasn't right But at that moment we were aliveAnd crouched together all that night Under a table covered with debrisLater we'll search for our loved onesI want to touch lips, close my eyesFeel your strong back and bunsYou kissed me during the earthquakeAnd all during the aftershocksMy shyness veil came down thenAlong with entire city blocks. Copyright © 2017 E. Martin Pedersen E. Martin Pedersen, a San Franciscan, has lived in eastern Sicily for over 35 years. He teaches English at the local university. His poetry has appeared in Muddy River Poetry Review, Verse-Virtual, Starving Artist, Literary Yard, Ink Sweat & Tears, and others. Martin is a 2011 alum of the Squaw Valley Community of Writers.