Cachexia by Max Ritvo
Today I woke up in my body
and wasn’t that body anymore.
It’s more like my dog—
for the most part obedient,
warming to me
when I slip it goldfish or toast,
but it sheds.
Can’t get past a simple sit,
stay, turn over. House-trained, but not entirely.
This doesn’t mean it’s time to say goodbye.
I’ve realized the estrangement
is temporary, and for my own good:
My body’s work to break the world
into bricks and sticks
has turned inward.
As all the doors in the world
grow heavy
a big white bed is being put up in my heart. Art by Kaye Donachie
Recommended listening: Carbon Based Animal by BOHN After Hours - The Velvet Underground
Links of the Day: Drawings For My Grandchildren #DoesItFart (Google spreadsheet) + More on the research here. Our 9,000-Year Love Affair With Booze Speeches of Note