Goodbye My Beauty

it's almost over
(we say goodbye tomorrow)
for now, there's a view

Where to Begin?

my classroom awaits
a roster of empty seats
(only time will tell)

my baby's driving
(i can't believe she's fifteen)
and finding her way

broken copier,
mushroom chicharrón tacos,
and this sad puppy

it's only Wednesday
of my first week back at school
and exhaustion wins

the youngest’s birthday 
(an early celebration)
before big sis leaves

Toy Story 3. Now.
i could carry the bag out
and cry all morning

a toy, a trigger?
my girl is off to college.
(this is no cartoon).

and so he will stay.
though i know she will leave me.
each grinning their truth.

cats will rule the earth
(i was told at a party)
because they are queens

with a perfect score
my youngest surprises me
(she’s ready to drive)

like this worn-out dog
i have nearly given up…
yet, i’m a Taurus.

and so i garden
though it, too, is a failure
stolen by flowers

this year’s loss, in pics:
weeds and grass and tearing out 
for one little heart

twenty-three years back
i married this blue-eyed boy
who brings me my sun