Go.

For all that we’re about to see
I’m ready as I’ll ever be.

I don’t know if I’m really brave
but I can face the facts
(if we’re still doing that)

I persevere and think
I’ve learned to subjugate my fear
somewhat

I’ve tried to save
a little here and there
just for emergencies and

kept in shape
or, in a shape –
I walk enough to
fill the red ring on my watch most days
if not the green one

I can recognize
the super blatant
crazy lies
but who can say
what’s really
what
beyond that
with AI and
all

I call my Mom
check in on friends
watch credits when most movies end
(they work so hard)

watch what I eat
give random folks my subway seat
that need it
keep good books on hand
and read a few
and feed the cats I MEAN

CAN we
be ready
for just…ANYTHING?

what would you wear?

what should we bring?
and what are we supposed to say?

just greet each other
everyday
with

“How’s it goin’?”

“Fine. And you?”

“Just dandy!”

when that isn’t true?

I think I’ll answer honestly.
“I’m ready as I’ll ever be!”

‘cause time’s a bum’s rush
we can’t “stay”
we have to move ahead some way

I’ll try my best to stay in touch
I will
doth not protest too much
with anger as my social crutch
but stand my ground
for long enough
to take my next step forward

It’s
an irony of time
and pace
that we can’t
win
the human race

yet there are those
who
must insist
that they’re
“ahead”

but they’ve not
THOUGHT
ahead,
because
it seems to me
that isn’t
where you want
to be

considering
the finish line

---

on the roller coaster
there’s this moment
gravity seems
to abandon us
but when the ride ends
it’s still there

we’ll be just fine

just older
just adjusted but not broken
just exhausted and exasperated
just entirely bewildered

but
NO MATTER WHAT
still filled with love

and wonder

for we are
the blessed lot of us
more ready that we’ve ever been and stronger than we probably know. So

on marks…ready?
(steady)

Go.