There is so much to do
before the smile is torn
from my face. Before
the erosion of my dreams,
and the silly questions
that will arise if I try
to remember something
inconsequential, the ashes
of my memory gone up in smoke.
Any moment time could
suddenly come to a stop,
the curve will close in on me
before I've had another chance
to caress my child,
disown my inadequacies,
feed my spirit an apple
straight off the tree.
I need to water the plants.
I have to confront the mountain.
I need to tell my husband I love him.
I have to stand my daughter in front
of a mirror to teach her what beauty is.
Where no day is unnamed I need to save
a drowning man. I have to make dinner.
I want to take a walk in the November rain,
I want to count the stars.
I want to know every wish you ever had.
I need more time.
There is so much to do.