In lieu of an abstract, here is a brief excerpt of the content:

222 the widows’ handbook Resurrection Katherine J. Williams After reading a Dharma talk by Richard Baker Roshi I look up inosculate, the word clunky on the tongue, like something unchewable. How can this mean to unite intimately? I think of my husband’s ashes under toppled headstones on a hillock in Vermont and somehow flip to resurrection, but rising of the dead at the last Day of Judgment is not what I’m looking for. Closer might be resurrection fern—a drought resistant evergreen that appears to be a ball of coiled, dead leaves but revives, with moisture. Back then, I peppered the world with obituaries and death notices, watching his name drop off sale flyers and water bills. The fraternity magazine he never read hung on the longest, like an ancient mariner compelled to tell its tale even though no one was listening. A Value Village truck consumed the clothes in which he knew me. I found a new address. Yet recently, thanks are sent to Charles and Katherine for contributions made in my name only. Letters begin arriving addressed to him. In the mail today, a postcard from Gilbert School, requesting news. I dial, inform the woman that my husband has been dead for  years. I hear her breathe, type, then state, “I have entered that he is currently deceased.” I say, “Yes. Currently. But if that changes, I’ll let you know.” ...

Share