Four Seasons

No broken families at the four seasons just me on the beach a discrete anomaly No broken families at the four seasons just thin sullen teens from Texas on holiday It feels good to witness these families up close as if i’m an alien quietly taking notes No broken families at the four seasons just couples teamed up together till they die No broken families at the four seasons just jade-colored pools and periwinkle skies They talk about golf like they’re actually happy last year in St. Kitts this year they’re in Maui Their voices flow by me with lightness and ease Calling out for their kids —a touching receipt No broken families at the four seasons just mahogany dads turning brown into pink An unusual shade that reminds me of Christmas or a Thanksgiving ad with roast turkey skin No broken families at the four seasons just care and belonging that is tender to see And i can’t help but wonder, even though i feel lucky, if life had been different, could that have been me? I could’ve been a woman with a windbreaker on! Thick, shiny black hair tied back in a bun Discreet diamond studs that winked in the sun a child in each hand Oh, see how they run! I guess what I’m saying is i’d like to taste a slice of security one piece of the cake what are the ingredients? what if i can’t bake? maybe no one can we all just have to pretend i put down my pen my heart starts to ache no longer feeling like i’m on a holiday i say to myself “that’s e n o u g h for today you can’t have it all life is not a buffet”