The Relentless

The Relentless

One day we’ll know how long

the dead have to be dead

before they feel hunger.

One day it’ll be summer forever.

In the meantime, the weather,

looking for its cue, keeps an eye on me;

and I keep whatever money’s in my pocket

crumpled in a ball. A relentless

responsibility dogs me, and the funny thing

is, these are the lyrics to a happy song.

Go ahead, tap your foot,

snap your fingers.

We’re roasting a pig in the yard.

I’m No Longer Troubled By the Extravagance, BOA Editions, 2015

Gettysburg Review, Vol. 25, No 2 Spring 2012