The Promise

by Damon Galgut

In any human life there is really only one of everything.

Survival isn’t instructive, just demeaning.

You can’t puke up the thought which pains you most,

Nor will the moment return, which is true of all moments, though not equally.

This doesn’t feel like a patch, it feels like the future.

by the time she’s finished cleaning up, the night is already moving along and she has no appetite left. Eaten too much childhood, thanks, I’m full.