scheduling work

the widow, Helen,
smoothed down
by the years, now
a small rounded ball
of humanity with
oiled black
hair, and eyes
that dart about
like bee bees
rattling in a cage
says,
come tomorrow.
no wait. I have
a hair appointment
at ten.
the next day might
be better.
but call me before
you come.
people are dying
in north Carolina,
and I might have
to go there to
pick out a grave
stone, bring a cake
or a pie.
but I do want the work
done, I really do.
just call me
in the morning before
you come.