57 is like…

57 is like…

Last winter daddy was dying.
This winter Colette is on the verge

We wait to greet her
God willing.

I worry about judgment
I need to be chill

Maybe I’m January
And Jinghuan’s May

Unintentional as Oedipus, I thought she was a pretty prosthelytizer
She thought I was sweaty, heavy and younger in a nice suit

Humble like a lucky dog should
Still worried about piano falling from on high

I keep a low profile
Listen to mother-in-Law speak the Chinese

Learn I’m too black, too old, and too fat
I’m cool with that.

My Goals: Make better biscuits, run half marathon
And not be left in a wheelchair—garden my ass off

My girls….
Always wanted a world of women

Jinghuan-Giselle-Elise-Lolita
Colette waits in the wings/womb

Even with one eye open—
Can’t complain

Grateful rich man
Awash in love

12-30-15

Published
Categorized as Poetry

By Jervey Tervalon

Jervey Tervalon is an award-winning, bestselling author of six books including Understanding This and Dead Above Ground. His latest novel, Monster's Chef was published by HarperCollins in 2014. Jervey currently serves as the Executive Director of Literature for Life, literary magazine and educational advocacy organization, and Literary Director of The Pasadena LitFest.