THE DAY AFTER

If my wallet gets lost

it will no longer matter.

Who will worry

if the market goes up

down or sideways?

If the weather’s hot or cold,

does it make a difference?

Politics, a dirty business,

who cares who gets elected?

The never-ending wars,

are of little consequence.

Loneliness, a forgotten pain,

worse than dental implants.

Loving touches, sorely missed

as much as the lilting sound

of young children’s laughter

that still ringing in my ears.