Crumbs

Crumbs falling from the donut
you’re not supposed to eat
A health regimen for your children
and their children
 
Crumbs fall from your mouth
as parents struggle with parental pride
to remain there for you

so they can drop their own crumbs and bend
to pick them up. And we must forgive ourselves
when we crave sweet for lives that sometimes sour,

depressed repasts voided by confectionary icing

Things that never drop–
are swallowed whole, not a crumb swept up
after guests leave,

I don’t covet rainbow sprinkles

when they’re dying
from living too long

-AnnMarie Roselli