advice from the tax lady

the tax lady,

who i've known

for twenty years,

tells me, i've been meaning

to call you,

but you owe so

much this year, i didn't know

what to say,

but your returns are ready,

do you want to know

how much?

i can hear one or two

of her cats on the counter,

purring,

the sound of the door

to her cape cod

house,

the bell above

ringing.

sure, i say. why not.

then she gives me the bad news.

state first,

then federal.

you need to stop making

so much money,

she says in a whisper,

or take more under the table.

but you didn't hear

that from me. okay?