a new tube

you'd rather throw
the tube
of toothpaste away
than
roll the bottom
up nice and neat
in little folds
to squeeze out
those last few dollops
of crest.
you like the new tube.
the unopened one.
right out of the box,
before
it gums up at the mouth,
hardens
and stiffens
from not putting
the cap back on.
you like everything new.
the shelf life
of things in your life
have grown
shorter and shorter.
it's inexplicable,
something your therapist
needs to address
real soon.