18th Hour

beginning of the end
early morning sunshine bathes the world in mysterious beauty
give a stretch, utter a yawn, the reckoning period is upon us
18 to go
call in sick today, tomorrow call in, disappeared
dial all the numbers in my black book and tell each how I really feel
how I like them, love them, hate them, miss them, used them
16
savor all things immoral for breakfast, with a side of unrest
race till my body collapses atop the highest hill, like jack and jill
watch clouds cushion heavens, finally breaking against the far horizon
reach up, attempt to hold on, for letting go is far too easy
13
the clock is ticking, but I’m winning
stand up for those who have no voice against the tyrants
break them free of these oppressive rulers of the befuddled
bestow upon them the life I never had
9
ensure all debts due are paid, less left to unfortunate survivors
arrangements finalized, funeral disposed of, settle for cremation, become ashes
no sense in sectioning off a place for my mourning
in a place of granite, earth, and decrepit bones only six feet down
5
grasp your hand, caress your face, hold your heart, make love like never before
the intoxicating necessity of you like my need for air
no need for formalities, in this, the rawest form of animal affection
1
now, in the final hour, there is only the sacredness of my own mind
rest your featherweight head on my chest and as you drift off
I’ll tell you I love you, and as your breath slows to sleep,
I’ll whisper my

goodbye