Ace Boggess
Where Has It Gone?
Countdown to dinner date.
Wait. Restart.
Trip to the market.
Trip to the antique shop
for the tiniest teacup
in West Virginia—
doll-sized, glossed
like abalone.
Wait. Restart.
Fill the tank with gas.
Restart.
Drink coffee, coffee, coffee.
Smoke, pacing,
wondering what adventures
today will bring.
Restart.
The alarm is chirping.
It is screaming.
Hit snooze.
Restart, restart.
Go back to sleep.
Dream the secret of happiness,
then forget.