Summary

As “Wash Clean the Bones” begins, Alma comes to the end of the graveside portion of her job singing at the funeral of a young black man. “Thirteen. The boy was the same age as the number of bullet holes in his body, from head to torso” (185). She accepts the thanks of the parents and of her friend Bette, who is looking after her (Alma’s) unwell son, Ralph. Alma feels uncomfortable in her belly, at first thinking that the fibroids in her system are once again growing and tightening. The narration reveals that she is on medication for both the fibroids and her depression, and is experiencing induced early menopause in an attempt to stop the fibroids. Nothing, however, seems to be working.

Alma and Bette go for a bite to eat. At the diner, Alma...