Infancy

When you're born

like randomly waking up to 1 million dollars

Or an owed debt 

I did not cry

They were worried 

And I was just there 

Still 

Like a statue 

Waiting to be held 

Those few minutes the nurse took

To place me in your arms. 

The relief you felt when held me 

The calm cool rush. 

Youth

Toya’s idea 

We are seated again

Four across this time

We are told to “fasten your seatbelts”

They bring drinks; sparkling apple juice

the places you go to 

make memories with this life

Remembering things for the first time

Like the sun beating down on a bronze Magic Johnson

Statue in South park,

The fast wind on your skin 

Going 30 mph with your hands in the air. 

Middle Age

My mother tells me 

Not to crack my knuckles

Arthritis she says

This is how it works 

I have to make my own money 

In this life to support me

I can still be beautiful

With all these grays 

Never let anyone tell you who to be 

Be you. 

Old Age

I want to stay alive

To meet you

I envision the macaroni boiling on

A hot stove

And cooling off with a breeze

From an opened window

The mayonnaise she saved up

For to make this delicacy

Mustard, peppers, tuna, 

Mixed with wrinkled hands

That is close to touching God

You fight until you die

This is your cycle of life.