Tonight I slipped up
once again - nothing new
failed to show as promised
for a friend
who had asked me
to join the online party
for his 80th birthday
no little number
especially for someone
like him with health issues
living week to week
an hour past the time
I remembered
and called
to say just how sorry
I was
and I am
and now in the aftermath
I'm feeling the weight
of my lifelong distractedness
perennial forgetfulness
words I'd give a lot
to be able to banish
but the failings they point to
cling to me like leeches
that steal and have stolen
so much from my work
from my friendships
my family
the women I've partnered with
the wife I adore
and who says I'm still worth it
though I know she'd be happier
if I'd simply remember
the little things I said I'd do
to slow the spread of chaos
that follows in my wake
just remember to breathe
and look back behind you
I tell myself whenever
I'm not too distracted
to think beyond the impulse
that drives me to keep moving
always moving
from one thing to the next