I Ching, Hexagram 58

 

inked notations in ruled notebooks

slung from one bag to another

toted to the next destination

random pens and pencils

pages succinctly numbered

one through fourteen in

tightly woven script

tightly woven nerves

 

labeled notebooks that will be

thrown away by unbiased and thorough

future estate sale coordinators

 

how I caught you unaware

your open heart and willingness

your wonky hip and metal cane

your red flags painted green

your guard let down

 

now miles past corrective surgery

your regret fills weeks piled up

in untidy heaps of dirty laundry

 

autonomous and independent

you attempt to shake off and hold onto

what you did not choose

the one-time caregiver you simultaneously

accept and reject

[RK, 9-8-2020]