I am a house
with termite damage.
No need to replace
the non load bearing walls
with no current infestations, yet
there are grooves and tunnels
hollowed out
almost as if they are waiting
for another day
that the creatures might return.
The astrologer said
my family felt they were cursed,
and when I sat with that deeply
I realized
I came from a clan who were waiting
for the other shoe to drop
anticipating the worst.
I felt certain the shoe hung right over my head,
but there was a willingness to take it
and take it with a smile,
which felt like optimism
to me.
The termite company
put in little round stations
all around the perimeter
to lure the termites there
instead of my house,
and they come and check
twice a year –
on guard
on guard
on guard.
We are
ready to
fight
to win
until
the house falls
down
but now
for another reason or season
altogether
be it tsunami
or earthquake
or fire
or looting
mas y mas
all things fall apart,
and I will be no exception,
such is the curse of us all,
yet facing my curses
with a smile
is not the worst of game plans
though perhaps it might
make me miss the days when
I am solid and strong
wearing my scars and scares
inside
for at least this day
and maybe another.