Day's end

When I am at the end of my day

    I shall not rage nor shall I whimper

But I should like to have a party

     and serve too much of everything

And speak of simple things and hard things 

     and all that lies between in shadows

        and laugh until we weep.

One thing I ask and one thing only

When I lie and tell you 

     I am not afraid

Smile, Dear Friend, and say, "Not you."

Not you.

--Gayle Carline, 2021