Twisted dying pine branches rusted with death
a few green needles remain lying to the tree
with what is known to be true about the self.

Old mangy dog wandering the street, kicked
out by the owner who could only afford to feed it
table scraps but not the final trip to the vet, to release
the self.

Aging body with a faster aging mind slowly trying
to cope with the passing of time, no one to visit where
he sits and stares, not knowing if anyone cares while
he no longer recognizes the self.

she and he sit with their phones texting one another
in hushed tones about their needs while their wants
haunt them and the miles between, while in the swirl
of information and tech they have began to lose
their selves; apart but at the same time, together.


©DWE072013