perseverance

take comfort in the fact

that things can always be

worse &

after you are done taking comfort in that fact,

rest your head on the best days of your life

because they are disappearing at a

breakneck pace &

since the possibility of things getting better with age

(that you will somehow age like fine wine)

is at best something of an old wives’ tale

(for those who have taken to heavy drink with no safe return),

find solace in the reality

that no matter how much you prepare

no matter how much you try to stay healthy

no matter how much of your family history you know &

no matter how safe you are

(even if you stay inside your dwelling 24/7),

you can go at any time.