If life is information and a game
of zero sum, I think I’ve won enough.
Amassing goods before they had a name,
awash in blessings and with too much stuff,
it’s time for me to lose. I’ll place myself
in smaller space, I’ll jettison some books,
I’ll toss the dustables and too the shelf
I need no more. I crave some vacant looks.

I’ll compliment my friends. I’ll let them speak
who ever interrupt. I’ll hear him out
who watches Fox and only reads The Week,
endure Mom’s repetitions, never shout
from boredom and refrain from all disdain:
that’s my prescription for this aging brain.