This Is What I Wanted to Sign Off With

by Alden Nowlan

You know what I’m
like when I’m sick: I’d sooner
curse than cry And people don’t often
know what they’re saying in the end
Or I could die in my sleep.

So I’ll say it now. Here it is.
Don’t pay any attention
if I don’t get it right
when it’s for real. Blame that
on terror and pain
or the stuff they’re shooting
into my veins. This is what I wanted to
sign off with. Bend
closer, listen, I love you.