He stood in the rain holding a tray with six glasses, singing “Happy birthday to me” as the glasses slowly filled.
sadness
You should eat more
“I often feel sad. I want to be happier.”
“You should eat more lobster.”
(Sponsored by the Lobster Marketing Board)
“I ate more lobster and I’m less unhappy. But still a little unhappy.”
“Try smiling even when you don’t really feel like it.”
“I’ve tried smiling when I don’t really feel like it and still feel sad. And a bit of an idiot.”
“Of course! Wear this hat.”
“Thanks but I still looked a grinning idiot. And I’m no happier.”
“Try flipping a coin as you walk down the street. Take the hat off.”
“I lost the coin. And my wallet. So I can’t afford to buy any more lobster. Sad.”
“Save up! Save up for lobster!”
(Sponsored by the LMB)
Remembering reality
Air settles heavy around us
and gravity wears us down.
My shoulders bend, my chest caves, my legs lose their feeling.
And then, for a moment, a breath’s time,
the flame is glimpsed in the distance.