PRIORITIES

A friend phones and won’t let go.

I am working on a poem about my dog

urinating on an expensive comforter.

The line breaks need work.

His wife is talking divorce.  

It’s no surprise, whereas the dog

never pees on the bed.

COVID-related distress?  

Kidney stones?

Bladder infection?

Now he’s angry.

“Forget the dog. Focus

on what’s important.” I am,

I tell him. “Limit fluids,

take a long evening walk,

always speak kindly.

Stock up on paper towels.”