"How Have You Been?"

every time we give smithfield

directions to my mother

it's in reference to the funeral home

and young connor's memorial. he died four years ago

or thereabouts, up by the royal canal. I think

heroin—he was outside. they put up a plaque.

I'd known him since we were 10 and his sister

did the organizing—his mother

couldn't do it. she was maybe 25—

I gave my condolences and then (not thinking)

said "how have you been? it's been a while."

anyway—my wife

was recommending a restaurant. "on queen street—

you know connor's funeral home? just a little further down

toward the river by the tram.

they make the sushi right in front of you—you’d like it."