That’s the Humour of It

Melancholia:

Death's ill-tempered daughter
is unlike others
who hopscotch off
returning only
when they've run out
of games.
She stays close 

squirming
in a stony lap
whining
from discomfort
yet never leaving home.
Her room is crowded
with philosophies
psychologies
and pills 

and a mother forever
wandering in and out
checking
her favorite
child. 

Susan Hahn.