Before

I could be dead for a month before either of you even

found out.

Maybe even longer.

And you'll tell me

"No, of course not.

We would hear it on the radio

or see it on the news."

But I don't think you guys sit down

to read the obituaries

just to make sure my name isn't on it.

Although,

maybe you should.

You'll tell me "No.

No way that could happen.

We would wonder why you have stopped

emailing us so much."

"We've missed your weekly email

I'm sure you've just been busy.

Or forgot to send it."

"It's been a couple weeks now.

Well, I'm sure you're just doing better

and don't want the reminder."

"It's been about a month now,

since we last spoke.

Maybe I ought to shoot you an email

and wait."

"It's been two months.

Maybe you finally moved on

like we told you to

a long time ago.

I'll just call your parents right up."

(Since I never trusted your word, or the lack of it anyway.)

"Hi Becky, Hi Chris.

It's been how long now? Nearly two months?...."

"Yes.

I would like to thank you

because I'm sure you helped her

right up

to the end."

You'll stamp

"THE END"

on the book.

and just pack me away.

I will gather up dust

and soon

fade away.

9/17/16