You’d think a woman
of my age
would have a long
tally of both,
but I don’t.

Three of the five
weddings
were for my sisters.
they were
MUST ATTENDS.

One even came
with a plane ticket
from San Diego
to Syracuse.

I don’t know how
I avoided funerals.

Maybe it was
in the timing.

Maybe it is
one of those
circumstances
where God will not
give you more
than you can bear.

At any rate
I suck at sympathy.
And being an eloper
myself,
I suck also at empathy

Don’t buy the dress
and the roast beef.
send back the
crystal and china

Reach out
your hand
and leap.