Widow
You cannot consider yourself a widow just because the full moon has gone
down and now you feel alone. Or because the vendors in the market no
longer whistle when you pass. Even if your husband is already half dead
inside, you’re not entitled to dress perpetually in black. Protocol must be
followed. Or the true widows will object to the mayor that some charlatan
is out and about. Best to be true to who you are. Shoulder your losses one
by one. Don’t resort to drama. Let your wardrobe go gradually from
green and yellow to gray. In the meantime, stop making a hobby of
funerals. Stop sending yourself a dozen gladioli every day. And when
your husband asks if you would mind passing the pepper, don’t pretend
he’s telephoning from deep within his grave.
