Cry
Hate
Run
Confront
the crushing despair from
capitalism and
misunderstandings
Languish
in the endless world
In the endless futures
That each feel impossible
Weep
For harm
For pain
For lost chances
For broken connections
Shake
Breathe
Bake some cookies
Buy a shelf
Rest
Dream
Cherish
Create something new.
If I want to.
Mama taught me to make
the family favorite.
Her’s were light and fluffy
speckled with bright green
parsley. Spoonfuls of batter
atop the chicken and gravy
Ten minutes topless
Ten minutes covered.
I went off the grid making
mine with flecks of thyme to
spice it up.
Moist dumplins soaked
in chicken gravy ready to
slither down.
Nosy lid lifters were not
permitted.
Mama’s big wooden spoon
would smack your paw as
my little brother found out
real quick!
Savor the things you love
because you never know
that the last time
is the last time.
When we said goodbye to Kelly,
I looked forward to more
long-distance trips
and long conversations
with my new friend.
I thought she would beat that damn cancer
like she promised.
I do not remember the last time
I petted my dog
and kissed her
and told her goodbye.
Because I was packing for a trip
and I thought
I would see her
in a few days.
I wish I could have that memory back.
The comedy theater I used to visit
every year on my birthday
as a child
is finally closing.
I will probably not get there
before the final curtain,
not get to laugh
with old friends
over popcorn.
My last visit
was my last visit.
Savor what you love.
Everything changes,
everything ends
without warning.
