THROUGH TEARS

James says his goodbye first.

He carries Don Quixote.

He blasts La Traviata.

April and I watch a 90210 repeat,

try not to listen.

When he comes out,

April says

she’s so sorry

the herbs,

the plan

didn’t work.

James says,

through tears,

It worked—

as much as anything could have.

He takes something from his pocket,

pours some water.

Moves hand to mouth quickly.

Swallows.

Selenium.