Stud. writing book 05.qxd - Santa Fe Community College

Poetry Runner-UpJulie HerndonI forget your adviceFor the morning and I leave,Milk on the counter,To go to work, though I amBaggy-eyed, sore-limbed,Hacking, crackling, and leakingGreen from nose and throat.“Don’t go,”You said, though notIn the romantic way men speakIn movies, but ratherA natural advisory,Fruit falling from the tree.You see, you haveSick days, vacation days,Salvation days to take,But no one givesThese branches a breakWhen I cannot workFor what I’m paid.Your AdviceSo I make the trade andI exchangeThe gallon left warming by the kitchen sink,Mugs of tea I neglect to drink,A wide-eyed dog I forgot to feed,Clothes and dishes clutteringThe house I do not cleanIn my necessity to fall asleepFor SaturdaysI cannot leaveThe couch, too tired to reachPills andTissuesThat I need.6