Newly

48 birds flew over my head

Hints hints of what lie ahead

48 wrinkles lay on top of my bed

I wanted adventure, laughter, and fun

I wanted creativity, love, and the son

48 worries I tattooed on my heart 

Evidence evidence of just where to start

48 times I wished I’d depart

I dreamt a life from the edge of a cliff, my babies had no choice but to jump, tumble, lift

In one unmistakable moment I recognized myself — I was 28 and time was my wealth

I saw the green borealis like a mirage in the sky, I declared this one is mine!

Mine!

Mine!

Then I grasped and yanked it like a cartoon keyboard, till it was gone

Gone

Gone

I’m all out of time

48 petals fell along a crooked garden gate, petals like footsteps falling much too late

48 wishes trapped in a jar 

Dreams dreams they are never so far

48 times I tripped over words, my mouth ajar

48 tears evaporated into space; four tea fractures ate at my soul

The old man planted two cherry trees in the yard; one pink and one white; twisted together as they grew

Stories untold no one ever knew 

48 pale blue bottles along a white windowsill 

48 perfect visions still, strapped against my will