Take the last living rose

into a crowded stadium

full of faces just like yours

alternately blank and eager



think of

the road you forgot about

the meals you ate with strangers



consider all

possibilities of redemption

opportunities incinerated



remember nothing

of your child's pain

that lost love



ruminate particularly because

they tell you it is wrong

obsess because it's not like

you have a choice



turn the empties over

balance them carefully

and imagine how

the most delicate breeze

could destroy everything