everything goes in the hat
everything
that time when you were maybe ten
and your lip was bleeding
from where he punched you
put that in
and then when you realized
you’d made a mistake
because you met the person
who should have been the one
that goes in, too
be sure to put in the way
your grandmother got kinder
at the end and how grandpa
was so quiet anyway but even
quieter before he died
and while you’re at it
you’d better include
those first notes
scribbled on notebook paper
that you still keep
in a styrofoam box with
Saran Wrap on top
they’re 25 years old now
but the ink is still fresh
put in the first time you hugged her
really hugged her
you felt it all the way inside
realized the time had come again
oh, and put in the other ones in between
the one who broke your heart
but not until after she’d fixed it
the ones who never quite got there
or for whom you just weren’t enough
once the hat is full
it’s time for the fun part
stick your hand in
whirl everything around
then, without looking
pull something out
let it float up into the sky
like a balloon with a note tied to it
then reach in and let go of something else
eventually you should end up
with just one thing left
the one who made you realize
you could let the rest go
but that you should hold on to her
7 May 2013
Auburn AL
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