A Body Forgetting

In the incline of our days
we all must meld our memory of joy
with the common sense of watches, walking shoes,
and lists made to burnish our ego,

to feel accomplished and shining,
a trophy to bring home,

to varnish the wounds we carry
as we forget to be tough
and forget there are words
and so many nights
that are far better alone
than suffering

near a body
that has forgotten
to breathe.