Subtraction

I have been her
and so have you—
Woman who opens her mouth
and subtractions fall out
sharp little sticks of minus signs

It’s a warm day, but
too early, she says.
She says, Watch
A cold snap
Will kill
All those buds.

It’s not that she’s wrong.
but still—
I am
sick of being her
Let’s vow
Now, together
to stop or at least
cut back on words
which leave the world with
Less.