Out the door with a hurried “See you later”
as if I knew the sum of my remaining breaths
as if Starbuck’s could pour a perfect potion
to keep me safe in all lanes at all speeds
as if my briefcase were a magic shield
against malevolence and madness
as if I had immunity from germs and bombs
and earnest supplication might win
the hallpass of invincibility
Oh I know I will die someday
but not today and not for many tomorrows
as if I’d been promised untold awakenings
plenty of time to thank and forgive
to love and laugh, to play and pray
My edifice cracks but is slow to crumble
funerals bob on my calendar like buoys
in a swelling tide of exits
the blank space shrinks
on a bulletin board that enshrines
photos of deceased pets, kin and friends
glossy ghosts not dead to me
they murmur and crowd my delusion
as if they think I need reminding
Oh I know I will die someday
but not today and not for many tomorrows
I get in the car and turn the key
off to the races and betting it all
As if I am sure.
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Copyright Deborah A. McGlauflin, November 27, 2014. All rights reserved.
