she wants to be a widow

she wants to be a widow.

but it's not time yet. he's
strong.

healthy, old, but very healthy.
this could

take some time.
she thinks about his money.

his house,
his cars. his stocks and bonds.

what's in the safe.

all of it would be hers if
he would just

die. there might be a struggle
with his children,
but so what.

she likes a good fight.

what's taking him so long?

for heaven's sake.
she wants to be a widow

and wear black.
she looks good in black.
the dress and shoes are already
picked out.

hanging in the closet from
Nordstrom rack.

she can mourn just like the rest
of them.
but with crocodile tears.

she can learn how to grieve.
read up on it.

each day she looks at him
and smiles. listening to the
slightest

cough. the tremble of hand,
the slurring of words.

she buys him a new bike
and tells him, why don't you
go for a ride today.

it's fun going down the hill
out back.

she wants to be a widow,
but when. dear God, take him
soon.

i'm running out of patience
and so is my boyfriend
next door.