I am bolder because
I’m older. I’ve been torn
down so many times that I’ve taken

the scraps from the wreckage
and used them as newspaper to line
the walls of my living room. Crafty am I,

and not too soon to spread the germ
like a balloon. Have it float out to sea,
like a folded note placed in the hollow

of a plastic bottle
for someone to read. And if it lands
on one then I’ve done my deed.