It was an improvement, he thought

It was an improvement, he thought
He’d always been fond of geese
though usually on a plate with apple sauce

Marjorie had looked after him
since he was a hatchling
clucking around him

smoothing any ruffled feathers
listening intently to every tiny story
head on one side, eyes beady

She'd aged gracefully, he supposed –
that’s what you’re supposed to say.
He had no idea how old she was

when she died.
Reincarnation was a surprise
but a comfort.

So much easier to handle
than a girlfriend.