[...]

My mother was buried together with the remains of the other victims of the explosion, on the plot of land behind the presbytery. The town authorities opened a new cemetery because they wanted the 198 people who died in the attack on the community centre to rest in peace together in one place.
That is how my favourite doctor tells it.
These are his words. I couldn’t express myself like he does.
Actually, we never used the land behind the presbytery, that’s why I didn’t mention it earlier. My mother only ever grew things in the presbytery garden and fed the animals. That kept her busy enough.
Forever running around looking after the parish-priest.
So she had enough to do anyway without having to look after the land behind the presbytery as well. She wasn’t interested in that land.
And now she is there.
Now she is near the presbytery. According to my favourite doctor, there is a nice, little wooden cross on her grave. Because I haven’t seen my mother’s grave yet.
Actually, I slept through the funeral too.
Or rather I was still very ill then. They operated on my ear and they had to treat my leg as well.
I am feeling better now.
My favourite doctor says my mother had a beautiful funeral. The head of the town, the chairman of the local council spoke and the local military commander.
Of course they didn’t only talk about my mother, but about everyone who died.
My favourite doctor says that the explosion was an act of stupidity of huge proportions and nobody understands why those that caused it did such a thing.
It’s impossible to explain something like that, says my favourite doctor.
Now 198 people are resting there, sleeping and dreaming their eternal dreams. That’s what everyone says. The nurses say so too. I asked them.
By the way, last time my favourite doctor also said it might not be that long before I can see my mother’s grave.
In a little while.
When I can walk again.
I can’t walk yet because of my spine.

[...]

András Petőcz
has several collections of poetry and short stories to his name. A volume of his poems entitled In a Row of Sunlight was published in English in 2008 by Corvina, Budapest.
He has also written several novels.