Make a scene when you are young
and you are already good at making scenes.
I have been making scenes since I was seven.
My mother's Merit Ultra Light 100s on the deck,
early spring sun going down,
my sneakers and my fingers making sure.
She was mad about the drive.
I was mad about everything else.
We did not discuss the difference.
I picked tobacco from under my nails.
She breathed through it.
I was waiting for her to notice.
She didn't.
I intend to die making a scene.
I intend to be lowered into the earth mid-sentence,
comma still pending,
everyone waiting,
mouths slightly open,
for the rest of it.
There is no rest of it.
That was the scene.
I hope you were watching.