I like to answer questions. I won’t duck
a query, and I never “just because.”
But yesterday I had a what-the-fuck
occasion, when my daughter made me pause.
“So how are you?” she asked. It’s been a while,
and I had no reply that came to mind
or moved my tongue. The subject pushed a smile
forth, that left attempts at speech behind.

“I’m in a twilight zone” I said at last.
“I’m disregarding habits decades old,
and forming new routines. My days are passed
of earning money: multi-tasking rolled
with urgency. I’ve altered attitude.
I’m learning now, and may detect my mood.”