she awoke and found her husband turned to ash
his form crumbled as she pulled back the sheet
but he was mostly perfect, fine lines and hair and patterned pyjamas
transcribed in shades of grey and white
the sheets were slightly crisp
signs of some intense heat
she hadn’t felt a thing
but then
for years in bed
with him
she hadn’t felt a thing
she looked at ash face
and saw it peaceful
mouth half-open
probably snoring when it happened
she was a little delighted
and that delight came
with a little sorrow
she was delighted he had surprised her
for the first time in years
she was sorry he had to combust
to do it