Those Cracks In Sidewalks Never Leave

Do Anything

They said, "Do anything,"
bad habits
didn't matter -

A cigarette – taking in
deep drags and then
exhaling – followed by
a diet with less fat, as
bones became thin
protruded through skin.

Ice inside a crystal glass,
sings... hands tremor as
one mixes a tonic and gin.

Strip off your wig -
white fuzz sparkles
as it blends in summer
lights.

A minister fighting
on a porch, but he is
among tulips in bloom
as spring sings with
robins beating their
breast.

You bend, pick the
color red, a favorite
rose, and sweat seeps
deeper into lines on
your face as if a thorn
has carved age in place.

You could have been
strong, clicked your
heals, swung your
brief case – or wore
aprons not suits –
aprons crossed
instead of cloth draped
over boney knees –

Do anything, was all
they said...

Nancy Duci Denofio
all right reserved