2 LIVE

With your uncle dying
in the bed,
you sneak off to the broom closet
with that boy you barely know
and do things
that disrespect your uncle
his uncle
and a monkey’s uncle
as yet unnamed.

Feel shame rush over you
as well as this stranger’s hands
as you try to ignore
that your uncle’s last words
may be said
with you too far to hear them.
John may pass
with only his wife and son
as witnesses.
Let that sink in
along with the attendant’s shaft.

Recognize that,
while life escapes Uncle John,
the boy who currently occupies your time
and space
is missing nothing,
treasuring life
while pleasuring you.
Let his kisses offer solace
in your time of desperation
and presume that he too
needs to get over something.
Doesn’t everyone?

Enjoy what you can
for your uncle
even if he can’t appreciate it.
Take what joy
this existence can offer
if only in a darkened room
with a boy you barely know.