Rearview Mirror

Rearview Mirror

It's easy to tell

My mood

And stress level

By the food I eat.

Homemade food=great day

Healthier fast food =ok day.

Unhealthy fast food= bad day.

With this in mind

I pulled into

McDonald's

That meant it was a terrible day.

I needed my stomach to hurt

To match my mood.

Waiting in line

In my car

I glanced behind me

Using my mirrors

And saw myself there.

A younger me

Different car

Different hair

Different face

But still me.

I turned

To look behind me

But it was only

An empty

Car.

I stared for a long time

But I could only

See her

In my mirror.

I ordered

A drink

Instead of food.

I don't know why.

When I went to pay

I also paid for

Her drink

As well

A little treat from

Her future.

I gave the cashier a note

To give to the next me.

It was a reminder

To take care of

Herself.

I did not look back again

As I drove away.

Down the Up Staircase

All around me

Are many paths down

But for now

I gaze out

At the past

Once brightly colored

Now muted to pastels

Are clearly visible from up here

So clear

That I even see myself

In the youths

Sitting on the Sidewalk

As I once did

3 little geese in a row

Contemplating mayhem

Out of boredom

I know them

I am them

One day soon I will burn out

And rise again

From my own ashes

As I have done

Many times before

Until then

I roost