the bridge was washed out

i'm trying to think

of excuses to get out of this party

i'm invited to.

the host is relentless

with the evites,

the phone calls, the text

reminders.

i used the sprained ankle

last spring

and then covid in the fall.

i miss covid.

i could use the upset stomach

from a bad piece of fish,

or i have relatives in town.

sort of equal pain with that one.

i dropped my phone in the toilet,

maybe.

and lost all  my contacts

and directions to the house.

maybe it will rain and the bridge

will be washed out.

but is there a bridge on the way?