i’m still here

(and everything is still awful) (but it gets better) (maybe)

on the same day
I tearfully call the veterinarian to
make plans for my porch cat’s
evening euthanasia
I pass the final exam for
a university math class
I’ve lived in fear of for twenty years
on the same day they tore down the
Lamplighter Inn
where my little sister lived years ago
that summer when
addiction was the alarm clock
by her bedside
everything is dying
everything is coming to life
this too shall pass
my former boss turned friend
has flowers delivered midday
and when the doorbell rings both
dogs go wild
I apologize to the delivery…