everyone suddenly got old

you call your old friends

to ask them out to dinner,

people you've known for years.

you hear a chorus of 'I don't know,'

it's kind of late and it's so far to drive,
it might rain, it's windy.
it's cold. I don't drive well in the dark

with these eyes.

what about black ice?

do they have valet parking,

would you mind picking me up?
is it gluten free. i have special

dietary needs now.
is it noisy in there?
I can't go if it's too noisy.

I want to sit at a table, not

a booth, but not near the kitchen,
I can't slide in and out
of a booth anymore, especially
if I have to go to the bathroom

and you know about my knee.

do they have an early bird special?
who else is going, do I know them?
I don't like to meet new people. 

and I can't go if betty is going.
I still hate her. if I have to sit next 

to a republican i'll never forgive you.

what should I wear,
is it casual? if it's not casual

I have nothing to wear.

my cardigan is in the cleaners.
I have to find a sitter for my cats. 

they don't do well 

if i'm gone too long.

do you think we'll be done by nine,
my show comes on at nine,
plus I have to take my pills
at that time. put me down
for a maybe. can i let you

know tomorrow? call me,

don't text.i have to go, someone

is trying to reach me

on the other line.