Obituary

an industry secret: a
monarch’s obituary is written
years ahead of death, 
yes, same with other
heads of state, 
revolutionaries, 
A listers:
in the event of sudden expiration,
just click send

this your day, of single wrapped
stale Arnott’s, delta creams crumbling
in tannin-stained mugs of tepid Lipton tea 
and who were you on this day
that may be your last
a friend who could have been a lover
leaves her glasses on your crochet throw, 
and you 
breaking again 
fold into yourself rocking gently on 
your faux deco rug, teal and soft

did you love enough
were you enough to be loved 
did someone love flesh and bone you
and not just the idea of you:
were you enough?
it is easy to think of yourself 
in the
 past tense.