A HYPOTHETICAL ANALYSIS
Let’s just say, hypothetically,
I go in for a vasectomy consult.
Let’s say the doc gropes
and finds a tiny little lump
on my left testicle. Let’s say that
a few weeks later
all the tests agree
that the tiny little lump
is a fucking son of a bitch
that’s spread.
Let’s say I ask to spend
one morning
of last deep breaths
with you.
Let’s say I ask to treat you
to one of those creamy coffees
you like at the Sweetwater Café.
Let’s say I pretend
I hear every word you say
and am not distracted by the tears
you don’t let fall.
Let’s say I ask you to walk with me
along the riverbank, like I always wished
we could but never did,
until we stop,
watch the water rush by,
and let the silence between us
become as intimate a thing
as we ever dared share.
Let’s say I walk you to your car,
hug you there, for a long time, maybe,
before returning home, hypothetically,
to my wife.
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DANNY EARL SIMMONS currently resides in Lebanon, Oregon. His poems have appeared in a variety of journals such as The Pedestal Magazine, The Main Street Rag, Chiron Review, IthacaLit, and San Pedro River Review. He is the author of a poetry chapbook entitled The Allness of Everything (Maverick Duck Press).