MANY

The reproductive

and recreational organs

of many of my older friends have

been declared redundant    dangerous

to the hardworking body

still after extreme surgeries

many of us in the pharmaceutical

west are able to live well    not

to be arrogant is essential

I have experienced the amputation

of my left breast    I hate its absence

but I’m at the door of a large noisy room

full of familiar faces    many

of us will not live long years    many

paying rigorous dues think we will