Choices

I was asked to think about the choices I make, this is a response poem

Choices

Robbie Furtwangler

 

If I had to I would kill a man poaching my cart of plastic bottles I sifted from raw sewage.

I have suited up night after night to run a mop up and down the beer cases and scrape human feces for pittance.

 

If I had to I would lift pain pills from my great Uncle’s bedside table.

I have taken meds no longer even prescribed for my condition through vomit, tremors, and tears.

 

If I had to I would fill a travel Pert Plus bottle with hand soap from the library bathroom.

I have washed with toothpaste when the mental hospital ran out of soap.

 

If I had to I would check the hell out with two book bags full of school supplies left under my Wal-mart Cart.

I have used my Good Will voucher to get my handicapped nephew a new, old hoodie.

 

If I had to I would take two more Trident Tech classes to be awarded another loan.

I have passed 300 level courses hallucinating and unable to read.

 

If I had to I would lie about my medical history and donate plasma.

I have volunteered for four hours in 110 degree weather.

 

If I had to I would ask the old black woman with Velcro shoes at the Mental Health Center for a menthol after she just gave one away.

I have smoked butts from inside the Smoker’s Pole.

 

If I had to I would bring Ziplocs to an All You Care to Eat buffet.

I have sat in line for soon stale Christian bread handouts.

 

Please tell me again I have so much potential.

Tell me again I need only start with a 15 minute stroll a week.

Tell me again I can incorporate ¼ cup brown rice.

 

And I’ll think about Do I have a choice?

To continue recovery and start a career?

Not terminate an entire box of shells and cheese?

Get down from my recliner and do push-ups?

 

While I strain to rest tonight.

Author's Note

is the form effective?