99poems/plan

Trying to plan
our day, your
errands and mine,
how to be together –
without driving each other
nuts.
Now there’s a challenge.
You need gas in the
car. I have to take
the hazardous waste
in the truck.
Furnace filters,
bank deposits.
Your lotto tickets,
my film to drop off.
It is your father’s
birthday. Your mother
has sent you
a card.
Dates and names
shuffling about
like a deck of
cards.
You won’t read
much into it,
but continue
to husband her,
as you have
since his death.
Today they will deliver her
Mother’s Day bouquet –
a day early.
I suggest a bonus
call, but you prefer
sticking to your
Sunday routine.
Because that is
how you are.
Change more lethal
than a trash basket,
so I am perfectly
secure.

5/8/00