Marinella Beretta – an upright
citizen – found dead – alone &
unnoticed until her frail trees
threatened [mummification
at a dining table – a lead story
for news channels] – Not seen
for two years by neighbours –
assumptions had her relocate
after Covid – Her last thoughts
as she stared across her space
of breaths & silence? Not to be
broken over a solitary brioche
as she sat as she was found at
her long-cold breakfast – [still
in her skin] – Perhaps she saw
how it would be if it all ended
& decided to give up her ways
[what that first poliziotto saw]