“Tell me all about you,” she said.
But what does that mean?
Remember to ask myself about myself.

How did this stranger get here?

Where’s Ruth this morning?
Where are you between death and burial?

Buy shampoo. Control your dandruff.
What else can I buy? What else can I control?

Send her back. Back into memory.

Wear a hat. Put on sunscreen.
You don’t need sunscreen in a prison.

Buy a plain bagel instead of an everything bagel.
I’m tired of wanting everything.

What does Thursday mean?
Be curious yellow.

Leave the hospital
      by the correct door.

by Garrett Phelan

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