Ants arrive first
silent heads bowed
searching for memory’s dampness
or sweetness
they will creep on
the forehead eyelids
lips nipples hips.

Street dogs come next
unable to make out
dry bloodstains
they will pounce and bark
sniffing and licking.

When all leave
vultures swoop down.
They will flutter
pecking at the heart’s firmness
and the eye’s depth.

Worms
they may come anytime
from anywhere:
even the entire earth 
can’t satiate their hunger.

Roots
they come last
penetrating deep
into each wound
and secret
sucking pain and bitterness
they will burst into
silent laughter.