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I want to keep writing
the way my old cat
trails me to the kitchen
and sits by his bowl
as I pour a second cup of coffee

Breakfast an hour ago so
he is not starving
nor frantic with need
But he is willing
ready to keep himself
ready
half awake and
ready
in case another
bowl of food or
small poem
happens along,
one of those hectic
impromptu visits
someone may
or may not
notice may or may not
take enough time
to write down

the first few minutes echo
till my house remembers
all the hours before
when you were not here

then it shrugs its shoulders
rafters creaking with the effort
and settles into itself
tapping its foot impatient
but kindly as it waits
for me to catch up

hurrying to the car,
so early that stars are still
visible my pink skirt
brushes against the garden
sets late-blooming cosmos to sway

morning glass
catches sunrise
in its beveled prism
Sleepily,
I drink the light

Thick glasses
wild long curls
green glitter shirt
hot pink ruffled tutu
and rain boots—
she’s five years old
playing football

To all the chapters
of things you Should
have done
let us add
the Appendices
and Footnotes
forgotten details
lists of smaller
failures
all the minor
betrayals
things you could
have easily put right
Once upon a time
but didn’t
due to blindness
inexperience or
your ongoing and
frustrating inability
to see the future

Today is for being
in love with Indian Summer
Intoxicating warmth
like a handsome drifter
who will not stay

I’m sorry but
we only eat
what is
fully coated
in butter,
vodka,
salt,
or chocolate
though we do
make occasional
exception
for meals
covered with
melted cheese

All others
need not apply

Please don’t believe
anyone who pretends
to Know
how it’s done.

Leaves litter the porch—
Indian summer’s reminder
sends shivers through the
chrysanthemums