[Critique Group 1] Sally's October submission

[Sally Rosenthal]

LETTING Go AND HOLDING ON

 

 

When winter comes, I clean my home

And turn to face Spring with a lighter load.

In old age, I need less

Of life's daily clutter:

Cherished books now sit on friends' shelves

Or hide like gems in library book sales.

My size six jeans go to a thrift shop

Along with my hope of being so slender again.

My sofa and dishes will outlive me,

And I don't want the trendy coffeemaker my husband covets.

 

What I long to keep slips through 

my hands at an alarming speed:

My husband sinks deeper into depression and pain.

Two more friends tell me of advanced cancers.

Cats and dogs I still miss are ashes underground

But for Laurence who lovingly guides me

Through life's real and metaphorical mazes.

 

I hold today in cupped hands, grateful for

One more day to fill with kindness

And prayers for all our aging selves.

 

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