My brother moved his office from SF
to Oakland – he reiterates the claim
that he appreciates the jewel he left
more now. But I know him – his words are lame.
My sister says she’s into family
because she moved away when she was young,
but she’s the one who’s tightest to our tree –
she issues adages with forking tongue.

Their statements are too empty for my ears.
Their declarations don’t shed any light
in passages we navigate these years;
they don’t illuminate encroaching night.
I’m spending time with youngsters now, in hopes
I’ll get to listen less to mindless tropes.