He was older than he felt
but his accomplishments
made him feel like he
was trailing behind.

Middle school said the
next step mattered.
High school said the
next step mattered.
College said your
degree would matter.
Here I am
making your drink.

Hey—did you hear?
I’m selling salvation
in a pamphlet.
Oh—is it clear?
I’m in cheap slacks
on your cheap
doorstep.  

People are dying older.
Politics keep getting bolder.
Can’t afford my prescription refill.
Sign me up for war. Use your
******* blinker. I’m only a season
behind.

He looked younger than
he was, all just because
he didn’t live life hard.
Nothing wrong with that—
some people say it’s lazy,
while eroding their bodies.

I thought that looks
would matter.
I thought wits
would matter.
That a career was just
a ladder
you scaled.
Here I am
managing pennies.
There you are
managing memories.
Hope I can afford a
vacation.

Hey—did you hear?
Your death won’t even be free.
Oh—is it clear?
You’re a tenant in your plot
until the landlord forgets.

People are getting older.
Politics are getting bolder.
Choosing insurance over groceries.
Sign me up for Hulu. Five dollars on
pump five. I’m only a paycheck behind.

Is it less pain to see you go,
Or to let you stay and keep telling you no?

He left without saying goodbye
He left without an explanation why.
Maybe it was all me
Maybe I’m just too naive to see.
Was it all my fault
Why our relationship came to a halt?
I can’t help but asking
Is it my true personality unmasking?

I sit back and watch the world unfold,
There’s nothing left for me to hold.
I sleep until tomorrow,
In hope to wash away my sorrow.
This pain is cascading down,
Not making a single sound.
I’m standing in a lake,
Waiting for my sins to awake.
And deep into my every bone,
And pull me into the unknown.
I’m drowning in my tears,
Collected from many years.
Don’t let this be it for me,
Everything I will ever see.