HOW MUCH TIME

WANING GIBBOUS MOON, 20 DAYS LEFT

Next day, in the cafeteria,

pick at a bagel, Chloe and Dylan

at the diner together.

I would’ve gone too

if I could find the courage to tell them:

My dad is really sick.

He has less than

three weeks left.

I take deep breaths,

eat small bites,

don’t think about how much time I’ve wasted

hurting rather than helping.

After school, after Peer Mentorship,

Gloria’s coming.

After school, a plan.

Focus in on Dad,

while there’s time.