THREE DAYS AFTER HE WAS MURDERED, RICHARD PRATT BEGAN TO FEEL MUCH BETTER...
A seemingly random act of violence propels Professor Richard Pratt into The Hereafter. It is a strange, muted, netherworld of the dead-a world in which he is forced to bear...
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I would ask that my skin stop boiling.
I would ask that it all be new as crisp snow.
I would ask that no one die.
I would ask for another half century.
I would ask that memories never gray and fade.
I would ask that those who once loved me would love me again.
I would ask for fresh, warm bread. I would ask for seconds with you.
I would ask for more gardens and a second chance at the tomatoes.
I would ask that you read this and not look away.
I would ask that you laugh despite my pleadings.
I would ask that you hold my hand and touch my cheek.
I would ask that we have more time.
I would ask that we have more time.
I would ask that you hold me fast in this rushing stream.
—Excerpt from "Reunion" by Keith Woo, as it appears in "The Heavy Work of Vanishing: The Collected Poetry of Keith Woo," edited by Pi'ilani Kilani, page 271.
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