Steven Joyce
Steven Joyce is an Associate Professor of German and
comparative studies at the Ohio State University, Mansfield
campus.  He is a Fulbright scholar, has published a book on G.
B. Shaw entitled Transformations and Texts as well as a number
of poems in journals including Kimera, Hudson Review, Red
River Review and Minimus.  He has also published a number of
articles on literary criticism.
The Sweater of Nyarubuye


To suggest a similarity.
The commemorative corpse at Nyarubuye
a cool rot
in a sheepish knit
line and stomach
still
the dead well-dressed at least to tastes of causal comfort
to die in a wool and polyester blend
these frightful economies
of non-occasion,
misalignments that tousle
one’s hair one’s dignity
a mess
lying recumbent
in the cankered dust of Nyarubuye

a dark and deteriorating text
mantled warmly in anticipation
of cool nights. . .

How it resists
mortification,
unraveling, decency:

Wash room temperature
with like colors. . .
its tarpaulin ministry
at a loss for flesh.

Cropped patience
Juried silence
Toothy generosity

This casual shroud
This commemorative couture.