Where You Are

You want to be

in two places at once,

or two strong people

each want you

in their places.

Something about this

rips out your lungs.

Though you have two,

they’re connected.

Breathe,

until you settle

all where you are.

Rent

Once I chose what was owed to me
over another person’s suffering,
and I haven’t yet felt my way
into either of us forgiving the other.

Sisters,

Forgive yourselves
for not wanting children.

For not being able
to have children.

For it not turning out
the way you’d planned.

You don’t have to wish me
a Happy Mother’s Day

like it’s the thing I’m
longing for.

I’ve tried to live at zero

Don’t spend any money

Don’t ask any favors

Live up to your debts

But there isn’t any math
for human variables