17.5

I've put the country records away

and the sweatpants.

I have shaved and woken

before dusk.

The garbage is tossed

the papers recycled

the bottles redeemed

and the wash sent out.

I am moving on.

I am getting better.

I am slowly, surely, improving.

It's taken longer than I thought

longer than it ought

but it's all getting better.

I am getting better

now

that I've put the country records away.