First time
since before the pandemic
had lunch today
with cousin Sharon
adopted big sister
for the one I never had

We compare notes
of who’s been lost
over the past four years
Cancer and Covid
saddened at how many
mentioning with pride
my five shots
and she her four
the few we both know
never got any

Speak of our own ages
tell her I just turned 65
“My God, we’re in the last part of our lives”
“Mom passed when she was 74,
and that’s not that far away”
she smiles
“Yup, we’re the next to go”

Despite the seriousness
of our shared situation
we laugh together
over diet cola and club sandwiches

What else can one do?


© 2023

270 hits as of February 2024

05/31/2023

Posted on 05/31/2023
Copyright © 2024 Chris Sorrenti