I could have been taken suddenly
swiped unready
unprepared
unresolved

a fresh flower
plucked and pressed
between chalky wax and yellowed pages

stolen from the
the pollinating legs
of buzzing destiny
and the traveling whims
of life’s breeze

instead
death has been gentle with me
made allowances

so now I sit here
eating my last sandwich

and knowing it is my last sandwich

really taking the umph
from this otherwise exquisite
meatball sub

as though you haven’t taken enough from me already, death
i hope you’re freaking proud of yourself