Relinquishing Some Controls

Sure, there are dangers; we all have our fears. Many

spend their days avoiding that which is unfamiliar,

that which is perceived as harmful. Long ago, you

learned to look both ways before crossing the street.

You have dressed appropriately for the weather, mustn’t

catch a chill or freeze. The dog barks a warning; you know

from past experience that when the neighbor leaves, incon-

siderately he slams the goddam door.

You are careful not to answer the phone after midnight,

fearful that only bad news travels at such an unholy hour.

You have made it through another day without incident,

and you pray that tomorrow will hold the same.

It’s not that everything will always go your way, but you

do wish the neighbor would have the common courtesy

to close his door quietly when he leaves. Your dog barks

because instinctively she senses fear.

You are relieved, however, that she is neither trained nor

is she capable of answering the phone after midnight, or

any time before. You have had all the adventures you could

take when you were younger.

And now that you’re old, you must learn to ease up a bit

and relinquish some controls. It is the little things which

matter to you now. You consider yourself truly blessed

should your bowels remain faithful yet another day.

Chris Hanch  10-10-15