[Phil Wood]

The opening assertion has resonance Matt. I presume 'you' rather than 'I' is for reader inclusivity. Perhaps it is a response to a counter argument.

I like the weight and anonymity of 'slab', and gravestones do become anonymous overtime, though 'greying stone' to reflect an age process didn't get beyond the image of the stone being grey anyway. The listing of urns, shrines etc makes a valid argument from the 'I' viewpoint.

I see the 'wraith' word is making another appearance' : 'Some wraith of wordless ache I can't explain'. Somewhat literary and elevated, perhaps ironically so, but I like the sound anyway. Besides mention of 'runes' and 'gods' allows for that tradition (in poetry). Also the cot-sized plot, atoms, will making anchors the poem to practical, contemporary, and personal. Relatable elements outside the literary world.

I found the poem not too glum, I clung to some humour in the absurdities, though the loneliness, with that demise 'spread' for company, was palpable.

Phil